Becca Ziegler 

Written by Sophia Williams

With a passion for purpose, Becca Ziegler, a senior in apparel design, has found her purpose through design.

  Since third grade Becca has known she had the ambition to design clothing. She chose to attend OSU because of its apparel design program, as it would assist in helping her reach her top goal of becoming a lead technical designer for a brand. While here, she has become the AATCC president (commonly referred to as the apparel design club). This year, she and her team have been working on the annual AATCC fashion show, showcasing student designers. 

Becca approaches design from a functional perspective, “getting to use these areas to create innovative clothing that has a focus on the little details”. 

After spending ample time researching the inspirations, she plans on the best way to execute the designs she has dreamt of. She then brings everything to life through some quick sketches “ After that, I go through the process of pattern making, sewing, fitting, more edits, and finally completing a garment”. 

For this year’s annual AATCC fashion show, Becca took inspiration from a stormy day at her hometown beach Cape Kiwanda; she fuses this with functionality. Zeigler’s mission with her designs is to “showcase what I see at Cape Kiwanda in a five-look athleisure wear collection”. 

Leaving her designs a mystery like her stormy inspiration, Becca can’t wait to showcase my work together, along with all of the incredible work from the other student designers. “There are so many unique and creative ideas that I can’t wait to see on the runway!”.

A Fine Something That Everyone Will Need: Isabella Dudeck Designer Profile

Written By Nathaniel Olsen 

Fashion has the power to transform. Through clothing people are able to access parts of themself that they did not even know existed. Isabella Dudeck, a graduating senior of OSU’s Apparel Design Program, put together an impressive body of work that captures beautifully progressive ideas of what clothing could be. 

Design considerations like adjustable straps and modular cuts allow for multiple style combinations and the ability to make one garment for multiple body types. Functionality and sustainability work in tandem to provide the wearer with something uniquely brilliant. 

Dudeck would describe this collection like a “thneed” from Dr. Suess’s The Lorax. 

The challenge of creating her senior collection is something that Dudeck is something that she was ready to take head on. Beginning with creating a moodboard to find color palettes and desirable textures, Dudeck selected her fabric. The collection features lightweight and lustrous in conversation with more active-wear inspired stretch knits. Through pattern making her designs allow for obvious and fun ways to stretch the image of functional clothing that we have in our minds. 

“I think it is fun to play around with things you wouldn’t normally see”, says Dudeck, “I don’t think people dress as fun or push the boundaries of what they want to wear as much as they do on the internet”. Looking at people having fun and creating new shapes and styles on the internet empowers Dudeck to bring her imagination to life in creating her designs. 

As Dudeck says, “As a woman, it is tough sometimes to not want to make your body look a certain way”. Managing expectations is the age old beast for all college students. Everybody wants a piece of your time and energy and there are so many avenues for students to pursue. 

Her collection embraces the infinite possibilities that are afforded to students and guide her viewers to consider new forward looking options to fill their wardrobe with ambitious ideas and silhouettes. 

Thinking of new shapes is one thing but making these imaginative shapes come to life is another. For Dudeck she met the challenge that the fit process provided and learned a lot along the way. “I think it is important to prove that I can flat pattern a design, that I can sew it up, and I can fit it…It is important to know how a garment works” 

As Dudeck moves into the fashion industry she doesn’t quite know where she wants to be but she finds life in both the activewear and costume designs space. Versatile and adaptable just like her clothing. As she reflects on the impact that program has had on her she makes it clear that,  “The OSU Apparel design program is what you make it, if there is something you are interested in, something specific the professor will help you… You can make a lot of the resources that are here for you while you’re on campus”. 

You can catch Dudeck’s work amongst many others at the AATCC Spring Runway Show on June 2nd at 7pm in the SEC plaza. 

Jackson Flint

Written by Sophia Williams

 Communication, creativity, and expression are pivotal axes in design.

Jackson Flint, a second-year apparel design major, has found that design has given him a well-needed outlet for expressing himself. Coming to OSU to continue his design journey, eventually hoping to own his own label, he has made a mark by getting involved with clubs such as AATCC and producing lines for DAMchic fashion shows. 

His main goal through all his design work is to allow the wearer to communicate their thoughts and emotions. Jackson stated, “I don’t like to talk to many people that I don’t know, so this was a way to tell people my feelings without actually having to start that conversation”. He wants to provide others with the same opportunity for expression and self-identity through his designs. 

With this strict goal in mind, Jackson is able to create a wide variety of different designs. Some are more functional, while others focus on his emotion while creating the designs. Colors and images are crucial in evoking an emotional response through clothing. Jackson explains, “ I think it lets people make assumptions about me, but I like that; hopefully, they get what I mean, but if they don’t get it, I want to prove them wrong”. 

With the upcoming show, Jackson is excited about how much he was able to incorporate his friends into the production. Leaving the details of his designs to be revealed at the fashion show on June 2, 2023, he is “just so excited, I can’t really put it into words, but you’ll probably see it on my face on the runway”. 

Iselda Lopez

Written by Sophia Williams

Knowing the value of clothing and the expression it allows its wearer, 

Iselda Lopez, a senior in apparel design with a minor in marketing, has found that design gives her endless possibilities for expression.  Ultimately, her goal is “to design clothes that make the wearer not only feel comfortable but also become pieces that they will reach for in their closet time after time for various occasions because of their effortless style combinations”.

For her designs, comfort, aesthetics, performance, and versatility are pivotal components.  Iselda creates timeless pieces that can be worn over the years and allow many to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. For her process, she “starts a mood/ inspiration board of colors, fabrics, and other elements, and begins sketching until [she] finds a piece that [she] feels captures my goal for the project. Afterward, I build off that piece to create a cohesive collection and then just begin the patternmaking and draping process to finally sew up the final garments”. 

For this Year’s AATCC fashion show, Isleda is overflowing with excitement as this is her first fully completed collection. Isleda created a cohesive and elegant capsule-like wardrobe inspired by Grecian architecture and Renaissance sculptures.  “Many of the lines, structure, and drape of the fabrics are instinctively inspired by these. The color palette was focused on neutral beiges with cool earth tones. Even though the pieces are somewhat simple, I wanted to add little details that highlighted the garment. For example, angled pockets, darts, and adjustability like the dress straps and the corset top”. 

The big reveal of this collection will be showcased in the AATCC fashion show on June 2nd, 2023. Friends and family countdown the days to see these timeless pieces walk down the runway. Iselda herself exclaimed, “I’m excited to see these designs walk down a runway and make the countless hours spent drafting, fitting, and sewing worth the wait”. 

Caitlin Vanderberg 

Written by Sophia Williams

Giving unconventional material a new life, Caitlin highlights the sustainability issues of the apparel industry through her 2023 collection for the AATCC fashion show.

Caitlin Vanderberg, a third-year apparel design major minoring in sustainability, uses her passion for fashion to make a statement about sustainability issues in the apparel industry through her designs. She explains, “I want to show that you can give things a new life through upcycling them and that your designs don’t have to be confined to what’s considered “normal.” I wanted these designs to be abstract and play with surrealism, going along with the theme “Fashion of the Mind.”. 

She starts her process by creating a mood board for her line; this provides something to draw back to while creating the product. “At this point, I also try to narrow in on what I want the garment or line to feel and what emotions I want it to convey. Then I start sketching the designs themselves and sourcing fabric. Eventually, through a lot of trial and error, the physical garment takes form”. 

For this specific line, Caitlin decided to upcycle vintage 1970s sheets that were no longer functional for their intended use. She remarked, “My designs showcase iconic, colorful patterns from the 70s with silhouettes to match. These garments are meant to have the feeling of the 1970s with a more abstract approach”. With a touch of surrealism and sustainability, there is much to look forward to at the show. 

Caitlin is excited about such a unique show that has over 30 designers incorporated. She is wanting to leave viewers with a refreshing take on vintage-inspired apparel.

Elias Cuyler: In Search of the Soulfully Tangible 

By Nathaniel Olsen 

Tuesday May 9th- OSU Senior Elias Cuyler took the time to reflect on his final senior collection with me. OSU’s Chapter of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorist will play host to Cuyler’s work amongst many other student designers as they come together to put on the AATCC 2023 Fashion Show titled “Fashion of the Mind”. 

For Cuyler, his family roots in the arts shaped his foundation and allowed him to create space to explore himself through art. 

“I was raised by a sculpture artist…my mom really gave me the opportunity to be creative, and she was really encouraging of that. She didn’t ever make me feel pressured to but no matter what I made…She was super supportive of whatever I was making.  I really got into creating stuff when I was 14 or 15, and then shortly I got into fashion around the age of 16” Says Cuyler

And explore he would. Cuyler found a love for the outdoors that would carry him into his college career. He found comfort and adventure by getting into the wild, “I’ve been into the outdoors for most of my life but I actually started getting into it when I was 18. When I got into the outdoors I realized that the gear that is helping people get out there is something a bit more soulfully tangible. I want to help people connect with themselves and whatever their passions are.”

Cuylers ambitions to work in the outdoor apparel industry have driven him to consider the space from a wider perspective. Cuyler is of the belief that, “Outdoor gear right now is in this space of being in between sections. It depends on who is wearing it and how it’s being worn but it can be taken as something trend focused and fashionable. It is interesting when you walk on campus and you see people wearing an arcteryx jacket and some Adidas Sambas, it’s classic. But then you can see someone if you go to your local gear shop or riding their bike and you see a forty something year old man wearing the craziest outfit you’ve ever seen and he doesn’t know it”

Whether someone is a novice or an expert in both the fashion and outdoor adventure space, Cuyler wants there to be space for functionality and aesthetics to work together in tandem.

“There is this intersectionality and this dichotomy that outdoor gear is participating in that not a lot of people are aware of. It’s a ‘if you know you know” kind of thing…This collection for me is a good chameleon into those spaces of being like ok, if you don’t have this eye for fashion and you see this you are going to think that this is sweet utilitarian outdoor gear. If you have an eye for fashion then you can look at this and appreciate it”.

600 hours of ideation, Pattern making, sewing, and fitting, prototyping and wear testing and now Cuyler collection stands for itself. Accomplishing the challenge of creating an entire collection is no easy feat, but Cuyler’s ability to set honest expectations and hold himself to a standard he was proud of gave him the strength to power through the difficult moments.

“You could make it easy on yourself, but this is probably the only time as an apparel designer that you are going to be able to make something sick. If you are going into the outdoor industry they aren’t going to have you design collections all by yourself. So if I get to do the whole thing by myself, I’m going to go crazy”

Cuyler’s adventurous trek into the professional world of the outdoor fashion industry begins, and you can bet he will be fully equipped and ready for that journey. His collection titled “Couloir” will be ready for exploration on Friday June 2nd at 7pm in the SEC Plaza. 

If you would like to check out more of Elias Cuyler be sure to check out https://www.eliascuyler.net where his collection amongst other projects are featured.

Joe Arvizu

Written by Sophia Williams

Imagine a piece of clothing that would allow you to create multiple different looks in one piece. A third-year Apparel Design student, Joe Arvizu strives to create ultimate functionality with his pieces. 

As far back as he can remember, he’s always liked fashion, design, and creation. Exclaiming, “ I would say that I remember drawing clothing designs as far back as elementary school and more often in middle school”. Apparel design was a no-brainer when searching for schools. He knew he wanted to impact the apparel industry and make each piece a little more functional. 

Functionality and versatility are his two main criteria when creating clothing. “I love fashion, and I want it to be around forever. I try to think of functionality over everything else. I don’t like to design one-use items. It seems wasteful, but overall, it feels like it contradicts design itself”. 

In order to create these complex pieces, Joe primarily starts with an idea and then focuses on “Different silhouettes, colors, shapes, and then I start to write them down. From there, I draw [from] and research what is trending that could help my creative process”. 

For his upcoming collection, he has designed three looks that are versatile in their purpose. Each item has multiple pieces that can zip on and off and combine differently. This gives the piece of clothing function and allows the wearer to be prepared for different circumstances. For example, he explains one of his designs “Instead of the regular one zipper pant; I thought it would be cool to have a swim trunk length, a knee high, and three-quarter length pant”.

Getting ready for the show has allowed him to materialize his designs, and he is excited to see the final results showcased at the AATCC Fashion show this June 2nd, 2023, where Joe will unlock the true potential of functional fashion.

“In Between Two Worlds” with Mara Tsujimura: Student Designer Profile

By Nathaniel Olsen 

 Inspired by the words of Korean Musical artist Koren, Tsujimura’s design philosophy speaks to her ability to turn negatives into positives. “When I am under stress I will stay up at night and start creating. In that state of mind I am more creative”. 

The balance of the highs and lows of life is something Tsujimura’s clothing captures very well. Her collection titled “In between two worlds” seizes the feeling of being in the middle of two spaces. 

Tsujimura says, “Everyone has two sides to them, whether that be personality or otherwise”. This collection is a conversation between those two sides. Family versus individualism and Playfulness versus deeper meanings. 

The collection features a kimono top with a bridge calico print found from the mill-end fabric store in Portland. The piece speaks to Tsujimura’s childhood – she wore similar garments when she was younger helping out her grandmother and family at her buddhist church growing up. 

“Wanting people to know who you are through your clothes is something I gravitate towards”, says Tsujimura. 

Tsujimura’s creative process puts her 2D and 3D CAD skills to the test, as she puts a large emphasis on translating designs through electronic mediums. Through computer applications such as V-Stitcher, Tsujimura was able to create patterns very easily, saving money, time, effort and material. V-stitcher is a 3D CAD application that allows for students to take the patterns they design and showcase them in a virtual environment. From there Tsujimura could grasp a much better understanding of how her clothing fit and draped on the body while not having to spend any time or material cutting and sewing.

I can assure you that it will be one day real soon as Tsujimura’s patient and well-considered eye for design is a sight to behold. If you want to get a first look at Tsujimura’s collection, “In between two worlds” her work will be on full display at the AATCC Spring Runway show on June 2nd at 7pm in the SEC Plaza! 

Kai Warouw

Written by Sophia Williams

The stories of activism and freedom movements told through fashion. Kai Warouw, a senior in Apparel design, has created a collection inspired by the movements from the 1960-1980s with a modern twist.

Participating in her first fashion show since her senior collection in high school, Kai is excited to share her art with others. She has always had an eye for design, and it seemed fitting to use apparel design to make a positive difference in the design industry. Kai notes, “The most important thing to me is that my designs tell a story. I want people to look and touch the designs I make and have questions”. 

Through this collection, she wanted to incorporate her interest in retro silhouettes with the story of where they came from and what they stand for. Her “mission is to make people think about how fashion has evolved and how activism has evolved alongside it. A lot of the time, people dress in a way that expresses their beliefs or lifestyle without knowing it. You can assume a lot about someone simply based on the clothes they’re wearing, and whether that’s a good or bad thing, it’s interesting to see how styles have progressed through the decades”. 

With parting advice from Kai to fellow design students, she wants you to remember, “Designing is hard work, despite what society thinks about it. Don’t rush or force your designs—allow them to come naturally. Also, make sure to have fun!”.

Dancing Through Life: Alexy M Kennedy

Written by Nathaniel Olsen

Alexy Kennedy has been dancing to the beat of her own drum since she could remember. Growing up as a Jazz and Ballet dancer in Hillsboro, Oregon; her appreciation for art and desire to be involved crafted her childhood experience. 

“First the time I picked up a sketchbook and said I wanted to be a designer was when I was in fifth grade.” Given the opportunity to speak with Adidas Designers at a grade school career fair, she was blown away by the opportunity to create with freedom and imagination.

On June 2nd, her collection titled “Dancing Through Life” will be shown at the AATCC Spring Runway Show. Her collection features Activewear, loungewear, and dancewear.

 “The whole premise of these looks was to be able to dress up or dress down for the active lady on the go..I like to make all my designs able to fill your closet. To only have a few pieces but to be able to wear them in many different ways”

As a Graduating Merchandising Management and Apparel Design Double Major, Kennedy is able to put her designs through the lens of a merchandiser. 

“Sometimes as a designer you will get these ideas that are way way out there, and then how are we going to present this in a style that a lot of people with use, enjoy, and see the innovation in”

Using the Resources from the OSU Materials Lab, she was able to find high quality active wear fabric donated by Nike to use in her project. Having access to these incredible textiles is a reason many find the Apparel program to be so beneficial.

“I think the best thing about the program is the networking that happens”, Kennedy believes that the strength of the cohort that has been built by countless hours in class and in the studio together create a community that she hopes lasts into the future as every graduate moves into the industry. 

Looking back on her experience in the program with only weeks left until graduation, She had this to say for incoming apparel design students, “Going into the program..I would tell myself to not doubt myself. Keep your head up”. Through the hard moments Kennedy found community in her peers and teachers. 

As Kennedy looks towards the future she will get a career in the Activewear or swimwear industry continuing on the dream that she has had since she began the dance in 5th grade.