When many think of Illinois State University, fashion studies, whether it be apparel or design, is not always the first thing that comes to mind. However, anyone could see the talent walking down Turner hallway and by simply stepping into the sewing lab and seeing all of the beautiful garments that artfully encompass the space. The Apparel Merchandising and Design students get the opportunity to best demonstrate their talent however in its annual fashion show. The executive board members, as well as the designers, worked non-stop all year to make Enchanted: From Dawn to Dusk the best show yet. With that, I decided to feature one of the very talented designers, Jay Ibarra, to learn a little bit more about what her collection entailed and what inspired her. For her interview she looked effortlessly chic in her light denim jacket and Aztec-printed pants, finished off with the perfect blush-colored wristlet.
Name: Jay Ibarra
Position: Student Designer
CollegeFashionista: How long have you been designing for and what made you want to start?
JI: I have been designing clothes for only a few years now, maybe three. That’s so short, but, I didn’t catch the bug until college. My granny taught me how to thread a machine on my 18th birthday, I changed my major in high school to fashion that same month and I started designing shortly after my courses began. That was when it all started to click with me that I loved design!
CF: How many shows have you participated in?
JI: With the AMDA Fashion Show from last night, it’s my second show for my own personal designs. Totally exciting for me! But, I also work for the Illinois State Theatre Department. I make costumes for their main stage productions, so while I’ve personally only done two shows, I’m not necessarily new to the idea of constructing garments and having them be showcased. It’s my job!
CF: What was the inspiration for your collection?
JI: The inspiration stemmed off of my collection from last year. Last year my garments told a story about a great love about to turn bad, this year is the bad. It’s called “After Hours.” It’s the feeling of the night life and that period you’re stuck in after a bad break-up where all you want to do is be out at night living life.
CF: What does designing and/or fashion mean to you and what do you hope to accomplish in the future?
JI: Designing right now means some of the best years of my life, there’s been so many late hours spent with my best friends in the Turner sewing lab. As for the future, I need to find a way to incorporate my designs and my love of blogging into one. Maybe I’ll start a YouTube channel where I make things! Who knows!
Learn more: Look for shots of Jays collection as well as some pictures from the show on Instagram and Facebook!
