New York Fashion Week is well underway at Lincoln Center and locations throughout the often described city that never sleeps. New faces and familar ones, behind the scenes and on the runway, vie for the attention of tastemakers, retail buyers, fashion editors and the public at-large.
As the streets of New York are all abuzz with kinetic energy, University of Minnesota College of Design seniors majoring in apparel design are, in comparison, quietly toiling away, preparing for what might be a seminal moment as they begin the transition from student to full-time working professional. The fruits of their labor will grace the runway in Distortion: University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show 2011 on Saturday, February 19 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Rapson Hall (89 Church St on the U of M East Bank Campus). Tickets are $10 - $50.
Some, like Niki English, a self-described "one part self-taught and one part University of Minnesota student majoring in clothing design" who has "made everything from leather goods to shiny gowns," are fixtures on local fashion runways. English's designs have been featured in numerous shows including Metro Magazine's "Fashion Fight Night 4", Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2009 and most recently, Cliche's "Avoid the Grey" fashion show. Cliché, a Minneapolis boutique, sells English's fashions and has done so for several years.
English is the first of three University of Minnesota apparel design seniors who took time out of their hectic schedules to answer a few questions about why do what they do, share a few random but interesting facts, and ponder what it will be like when they make the transition from student to alumna.
What made you decide to major in apparel design?
I have always wanted to express my own perspective in fashion, and that drove me to learn how to sew. I think the most important part of design for me is expressing a particular idea or mood, and I don’t often find what I am looking for in the current retail climate.
Do you remember your first day of class as a apparel design major? What was it like?
Just like any college experience you take a ton of intro classes. I wouldn’t say this is the most interesting part.
Portfolio review was pretty stressful, because there are only 18 spots in the U of M program, so we spend an entire year in studio working on our portfolios to be reviewed by faculty, who select the people they want to continue in the program. This was fairly intense for me because it finally was official.
What was the first thing you designed for class?
We did a small intro project on sleeves. I had been sewing leather purses for a few years by this point, so working with clothing was a very different experience.
If you weren't a "fashion" major, what other major would you have chosen?
I went into college as an architecture major. I actually really loved it but with fashion you can conceive and create something very quickly. With architecture, it is very intellectual and you only see your designs as models. Having something tangible was always appealing for me.
I know you participated in Cliche's "Avoid the Grey" fashion show this year. How was your experience? Was this your first runway show?
No, I have been involved in many runway shows. This was relatively easy because Cliché did most of the organizing. Last summer, I organized a show with a few other local designers called "Calamity", focusing on street style. We built it from the ground up, got sponsors and everything on our own. It was an awesome accomplishment and it turned out great.
A Bit of Randomness...
New York or LA?
I spent the summer in NYC interning for Zac Posen. I absolutely loved the city and felt like it was at home. I plan on moving there as soon as I graduate and hopefully work for a larger company. There were so many amazing things to do, and opportunities that don’t exist in our tiny metropolis.
What is your favorite ice cream?
Tough…Cherry Garcia.
Define "fashionista" and are you one?
I think of fashionista as someone who is a fashion victim. I actually kind of dislike the term. I think this is someone who is very loyal to trends and spends a lot of time and energy trying to wear different costumes to express themselves. I would rather define my own style and stick to it than waste money on fleeting trends.
Are you a shoenista (defined by an obsessive love of shoes)?
I work in the shoe department at Nordstrom...Surprisingly, I don’t have a lot of shoes. I am more of a boot girl…I have 15+ pairs of black boots.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Listening to music at top volume in my car...and I might be singing along...
If you got a ticket to attend one fashion show during NYFashion Week, whose show would you attend?
Describe kind of woman you design for?
I design for younger women, pretty much where I want to be or what I want to look like. It is someone who likes looking sexy but not trashy. Someone who loves to dress up but doesn't want to be a fashion victim. I use a lot of dark colors, flattering cuts and knits.
When you feel stuck, how do you get your creative juices going?
I usually stop what I am doing and watch a movie. Those who are close to me know how questionable my taste in movies can be (I love Teen Witch, Sixteen Candles, and anything awful and Brat Pack from the 80's.)
What should we expect to see at the Senior Fashion Show?
You can expect to see 18 completely different perspectives on clothing. What is amazing about the senior class is that we are all very diverse and come from different places, so there will be no two alike.
Do you have a name for your collection?
If I were to name my line it would be "armor for the daily war". I was inspired by the idea that every day is a battle, and we have to be prepared for it. Clothes that make a woman feel ferocious, strong, and aggressive.
What will you do the day after graduation?
Hop on a plane to Europe. I may or may not be going by myself.
How will you know that your dreams have come true?
My dreams are always coming true. Honestly, I am very lucky to have accomplished what I have so far and it only comes from my dedication to my work.
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