Designer Confidential highlights the work of SU's greatest fashion asset: its student designers.
Jess Wolfe didn’t always know she wanted to be a fashion designer. She entered Syracuse University as a ceramics major. While taking a textiles class during the second semester of her freshman year, she fell head over heels for fashion design and has never looked back.
“I love ceramics. But it didn’t really support the lifestyle I wanted. After taking the textiles class I could really see a future for myself in the fashion industry,” Wolfe says.
To catch up to her classmates in the fashion program, Wolfe has had to double up on studio electives and work extra hard.
“It is challenging, but I’m learning a lot. It is definitely worth it,” she says.
An extensive history in retail has helped expose her to the ins and outs of the industry. Wolfe has worked at Hollister Co., Pac Sun, Plato’s Closet and is presently employed at Clinique. She sees herself working in the fashion industry with similarly large companies as a ready-to-wear designer.
“I would love to work for someone like Michael Kors,” Wolfe says. “He’s talented and affordable.”
Wolfe is currently working on a midterm for her Fashion Illustration class. The project involves designing a 12-piece collection around two opposing elements. Wolfe was given two pieces of fabric-a leather and an orange knit. Her spring collection combines flirty feminine looks with an edgy rocker aesthetic, relying on tweed, knit, and leather fabrics to give the collection a sweet but rugged feel.
“When looking at my final work for this collection I see my drawing has... developed a lot from the beginning of the year. I really have learned a lot in only a year,” Wolfe proclaims.
Dream Job: To work for a famous designer in the ready-to-wear department. She notes she would also be interested in working as a celebrity stylist.
“I think it would be a really exciting job. I love Rachel Zoe and I think her job is amazing” Wolfe states.
Designer Confidential: She switched into fashion after completing an inspiring project for her Fiber Arts class, which found her looking at a Christian Dior collection inspired by Geishas.
-Christina Riggio
2 comments:
Christian Dior collection is very nice...all the best for your future.
vintage t-shirts
It would be awesome to tell the Jess from 2011 where her career would eventually take her in just 6 years, and see if 2011 Jess would ever believe she would be singing onstage with Roger Waters...
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