Don’t Walk: A Student Designer’s Experience
By Madeline Storck
When did you start designing clothes?
I started sewing when my mom would help me make my Halloween costumes. I got into designing in junior year of high school when I made my prom dress. I would do projects with my mum, and she would help me with the more difficult sewing because she used to make her clothes in the 80s.
What is your inspiration for this line?
I really like simple silhouettes and low backs, and how that looks on the person. I think that the back is the most beautiful part of a woman, it has that sex appeal. I like things you feel really free in, not a lot of constraints.
Do you feel that your line reflects your own personal style, would you wear it
yourself?
I think it’s definitely something that got me into designing, thinking “I want to wear this!” But now that I’m designing for Don’t Walk I’m using more colours and focusing on how they match different skin tones, different individuals.
If you were marketing your collection, whom would you direct it at?
Girls around my age, 18-24 year-olds. Girls who are going out and partying. A lot of the clothes I have are simple, but stuff you would go out in paired with leggings and little heels. Not so much everyday clothes.
If you could sum up the collection in one word, what would it be?
Actually, the name for my line is Es Pulcaher, which means “you are beautiful” in Latin. The collection is about taking the beauty of a person’s form and putting simple clothes on it because you are beautiful already, you don’t need to add much.
How long did it take you to complete the collection?
I have not finished it completely yet. I have 7 pieces now, and need 20 by March. I started in July.
Do you have any favourite designers or labels?
Not really. I got into style for myself, because I got into designing for myself, not others. I always liked looking good. Erin Kleinberg’s pieces speak to me, and I love Marc Jacobs. Lyell also, for its simple, cool designs.
You’re American, so do you think living in the UK has changed your style or taste in clothes?
Yeah, definitely. There is a St Andrews “bubble” of style, not necessarily the style of Scotland. I’ve realised the practical parts of style, like how leggings and boots really fit with the university and the weather. These are all pieces we wear out. We go out so much, and we need dresses. No one wears sweatpants here, we’re always dressed up. Fashion is important to the student body of St Andrews.
What’s the most challenging part of designing for you?
I have no formal training, I don’t really know what I’m doing. I’ve learned things from my mum, more like getting the idea into the real piece. I come up with problems because I don’t know to gather the fabric here, or something. It’s hard to do this without a formal background. I can’t speak the lingo!
Do you think that this is a possible career path for you?
Right now, I have to keep it as my fun pastime. I really enjoy myself when I’m designing, or making someone look good. I want to finish my university degree, but it could be a career path... I’m intimidated by the design world, the competition. At the moment, I’m having fun making designs in my own time.
How did you get involved with Don’t Walk?
I didn’t know much about the fashion shows in St Andrews until I went to FS:09 and found out that Chloe Squires, who was in one of my tutorials, was designing. Then I got a sewing machine here. I had only 6 pieces to audition with, but they said if I could get 20 by March it would be great.
Look out for Sara Friend’s Es Pulcaher at Don’t Walk, and on TheTribeOnline.com
I started sewing when my mom would help me make my Halloween costumes. I got into designing in junior year of high school when I made my prom dress. I would do projects with my mum, and she would help me with the more difficult sewing because she used to make her clothes in the 80s.
What is your inspiration for this line?
I really like simple silhouettes and low backs, and how that looks on the person. I think that the back is the most beautiful part of a woman, it has that sex appeal. I like things you feel really free in, not a lot of constraints.
Do you feel that your line reflects your own personal style, would you wear it
yourself?
I think it’s definitely something that got me into designing, thinking “I want to wear this!” But now that I’m designing for Don’t Walk I’m using more colours and focusing on how they match different skin tones, different individuals.
If you were marketing your collection, whom would you direct it at?
Girls around my age, 18-24 year-olds. Girls who are going out and partying. A lot of the clothes I have are simple, but stuff you would go out in paired with leggings and little heels. Not so much everyday clothes.
If you could sum up the collection in one word, what would it be?
Actually, the name for my line is Es Pulcaher, which means “you are beautiful” in Latin. The collection is about taking the beauty of a person’s form and putting simple clothes on it because you are beautiful already, you don’t need to add much.
How long did it take you to complete the collection?
I have not finished it completely yet. I have 7 pieces now, and need 20 by March. I started in July.
Do you have any favourite designers or labels?
Not really. I got into style for myself, because I got into designing for myself, not others. I always liked looking good. Erin Kleinberg’s pieces speak to me, and I love Marc Jacobs. Lyell also, for its simple, cool designs.
You’re American, so do you think living in the UK has changed your style or taste in clothes?
Yeah, definitely. There is a St Andrews “bubble” of style, not necessarily the style of Scotland. I’ve realised the practical parts of style, like how leggings and boots really fit with the university and the weather. These are all pieces we wear out. We go out so much, and we need dresses. No one wears sweatpants here, we’re always dressed up. Fashion is important to the student body of St Andrews.
What’s the most challenging part of designing for you?
I have no formal training, I don’t really know what I’m doing. I’ve learned things from my mum, more like getting the idea into the real piece. I come up with problems because I don’t know to gather the fabric here, or something. It’s hard to do this without a formal background. I can’t speak the lingo!
Do you think that this is a possible career path for you?
Right now, I have to keep it as my fun pastime. I really enjoy myself when I’m designing, or making someone look good. I want to finish my university degree, but it could be a career path... I’m intimidated by the design world, the competition. At the moment, I’m having fun making designs in my own time.
How did you get involved with Don’t Walk?
I didn’t know much about the fashion shows in St Andrews until I went to FS:09 and found out that Chloe Squires, who was in one of my tutorials, was designing. Then I got a sewing machine here. I had only 6 pieces to audition with, but they said if I could get 20 by March it would be great.
Look out for Sara Friend’s Es Pulcaher at Don’t Walk, and on TheTribeOnline.com