The Future of Fashion – WWD

Jens Kayum, chair of the School of Fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), described the Class of 2022 as “the future of the fashion industry.” Indeed, this year’s cohort of graduates presented important themes that centered around inclusivity, diversity, gender neutrality, adaptive design, sustainability, and smart apparel and digital innovation.

“Our students’ energy and passion are boundless, and their skills and professionalism make them future innovators for the fashion and design industries,” said Kaeumle. “Friendships are formed that will last a lifetime. Our students collaborated, connected, and proved to the world that teamwork can move mountains with a smile. We are proud of their creativity and the goals they have achieved. The talent of our fashion design students is not only on the catwalk but is now making a successful start in their professional careers,” he said.

And it’s a bright future with major brands.

Companies such as Nike, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Anthropologie and others have been delighted to have SCAD’s fashion design talent, Kaimle said.

Here, Fairchild Studio spotlights three students from the Class of 2022, whose inspiration, designs and collections reflect why SCAD is an industry leader and a top choice among fashion students.

Name: Sofia Arante (BFA, Fashion, 2022)

Age: 22

Hometown: Manila, Philippines

Fairchild Studio: What were some of the inspirations, concepts, or other things that influenced your thesis?

SA: The title of my senior collection, “Looking Like a Baby,” is derived from my personal experience of the pandemic. Being in a state of uncertainty gave me a sense of urgency, but with the encouragement of my SCAD professors, I channeled that energy into my designs and was able to connect with my emotions through art – my comfort zone, my childlike soul. Being childlike is simply: being fearless, spontaneous, curious, imaginative, generous, and enthusiastic. I realized that it wasn’t that I could achieve my wishes and dreams quickly, but that I could enjoy the process of achieving them along the way.

Fairchild Studio: How would you describe your experience at SCAD? What made your education?

SA: My experience at SCAD was a dream come true. I knew at an early age that I wanted to pursue fashion design, and when I found SCAD I knew it would be the perfect university to maximize my talents and skills and best prepare me for a successful career. As the fashion industry is competitive, SCAD and my professors made me realize that it was my passion that could lead me to greater heights. It was also exciting to be surrounded by the most talented and driven students not only in fashion school but in other degree programs. SCAD fosters a culture of collaboration and sharing the same passion for fashion, art and design with my peers was a highlight of my college experience. Coming to SCAD from the Philippines, I was exposed to new cultures, experiences and ideas that have shaped my perspective as a designer today. Under the guidance of some of the most talented and successful fashion professors at SCAD, I was able to turn my dream into reality.

Fairchild Studios: What are your career plans from here?

SA: I recently moved to Philadelphia and found a full-time job as an assistant designer at Anthropologie for Mew, focusing on soft woven dresses, skirts, ensembles and blouses. I couldn’t be happier, and I’m so excited for what lies ahead!

Name: Ja’Baris Baskerville (MFA, Fashion, 2022)

Age: 34

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Fairchild Studio: What were some of the inspirations, concepts, or other things that influenced your thesis?

JB: As a menswear designer, I am always looking for original and innovative ways to design for fashion prospects. My design aesthetic focuses on luxury streetwear meets couture as it meets the futuristic. Highlighting classic solid shapes with modern, 1980s retro-inspired appeal. Embracing unique silhouettes and creative design elements including elastic geometric shapes, exaggerated shoulders, sturdy construction, 3D tailoring capabilities and innovative fabric uses. My collection focuses on menswear design with an emphasis on gender fluidity.

I create clothes full of personality and individuality, which is important to stand out from the competition. Embrace confidence, energy and happiness. To me, fashion is about imagination and self-expression. Throughout my journey as a new fashion designer, I have gained a unique ability to discover and mature in shaping my design vision and identity.

The inspiration behind my SCAD Senior Collection is based on my personal vision and understanding of what it means to pursue happiness. While receiving references from the Japanese philosophy “wabi sabi” that is “the beauty of perfection”, I want to create a collection that allows me to find inner peace in the present and appreciate life’s changes, to pursue happiness and live. The way that makes me happy.

Fairchild Studio: How would you describe your experience at SCAD? What made your education?

JB: My experience at SCAD has been life-changing and inspiring to say the least. I knew SCAD was one of the top art and design universities, but the moment I walked onto campus for my first open house tour, I was overcome with inspiration and knew this was the place for me. SCAD is a great environment for creatives to unleash their imaginations and explore the myriad opportunities on offer.

I started my MFA in 2018 at SCAD where I studied a variety of courses including art fundamentals, advanced sewing technical skills, product development, drapery and pattern making. Throughout my journey as a graduate student, it was the guidance and mentorship and genuine constructive criticism of my SCAD professors that helped pave the way for self-discovery in terms of understanding the aesthetics of design and my perspective as fashion. Designer.

Focusing on menswear concept design is where I found my voice. As I began to understand my strengths as a designer, I began to focus on becoming more proficient in pattern work and expanded my skills by studying several aspects of design, including eveningwear and denim. These developments have helped take my design aesthetic to the next level, focusing on combining the two to create a more contemporary view of the world of jeans and the myriad possibilities in the world of clothing.

Fairchild Studios: What are your career plans from here?

JB: I now have an amazing design career at Michael Kors, where I have first-hand experience working with a team of top designers and expanding my knowledge of the industry and as a creative professional. I have dreams of launching a gender fluid luxury streetwear brand and design studio, and established a fashion consultancy specializing in design, forecasting, photography and styling.

Name: D’on Lauren Edwards (BFA, Fashion, 2022)

Age: 22

Hometown: Portland, OR

Fairchild Studio: What were some of the inspirations, concepts, or other things that influenced your thesis?

DL: My SCAD Senior thesis collection titled “The Messenger” was an evening wear collection inspired by my great grandmother Joyce. She was a biracial woman raised by immigrant parents from Senegal and Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s. After getting married and having children, she moved across the country to Los Angeles and was a brave, strong and gentle woman – she and I share the same birthday. As a child, she instilled in me faith, Catholic practices, and the belief in angels. My grandmother sadly passed away 4 years ago but I still believe that her presence is guiding and protecting me in my life.

From my faith and interest in astrology, I have learned that there are angels for each of the 12 zodiac signs. Inspired by a spiritual being serving as a divine messenger, the Archangel of Aries, Macdiel, brings courage and soul renewal to those who fall under the sun signs of Aries. This set is radiating the childlike, emotional and volatile cardinal fire sign that holds the power and influence of the angels.

My collection features a soft soft color palette that conveys a message of calm, with the dynamic color representing Aries embracing the colors of flame. This soft color palette also features the beauty, harmony and calming power of Aries birthstones, diamonds and aquamarine. Dresses designed with high necks and soft long pipes are traditional Catholic weaves, but are considered modern, fine and crystal fabrics and silks.

Fairchild Studio: How would you describe your experience at SCAD? What made your education?

DL: My experience at SCAD was terrifying, full of opportunity, and filled with endless inspiration. I am a naturally curious person and have always had a desire to discover new aspects and elements in design. While at SCAD, I took many classes and workshops ranging from evening wear, accessories design, jewelry and knitwear that opened my eyes to the many mysteries in design. While in the industry, I found passions that I see myself chasing. My education is shaped by exploring parts of the country and the world. Studying in Savannah was culturally very different from living on the west coast. I am very grateful to have been able to study abroad in Hong Kong and Lacoste, France with unforgettable and enriching experiences in two international locations through the opportunities afforded me by SCAD. Those experiences will stay with me forever and shape me as a designer.

Fairchild Studios: What are your career plans from here?

DL: I recently moved to New York and am currently working at Camuto Group as an Assistant Shoe and Accessory Designer. I am very grateful for this opportunity and aim to continue developing and refining my design skills in fashion, footwear and accessories.