Sophomore Sydney Smotherson designs and makes her own clothes. She works with designers from Lifetime’s Project Runway to get feedback and guidance for her aspiring future in fashion.
Q: What inspired you to begin making your own clothes?
A: I really just had a lot of creativity that was bottled up inside of me with no way to release it. It’s just something I just picked up; it sort of came out of nowhere.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
A: My personal style is really simple, but I always have a statement piece or “wow” factor in a lot of my outfits.
Q: What are your post-high school plans? Is fashion something you would like to pursue in the future?
A: I would love to pursue fashion in the future. It is one of my dreams to become successful. I really don’t know where I want to be post-high school. I’m just taking it day by day because I don’t know where my opportunities now will take me in the future.
Q: I heard you’re involved with the designers of Project Runway. How did you connect with them? How do they influence you?
A: I went to a fashion show called “Sheer Elegance” wearing a dress that I made and a portfolio in my hand and just talked to them. I told them my accomplishments and really just bonded with them. They really influenced me to keep going because they said I was going in the right direction, especially at age 15.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece of work so far? What is your favorite type of clothing to make?
A: My favorite piece is my Aztec bustier and draped maxi. My favorite type of clothing to make would be dresses. It’s really such a small category in the fashion industry because you really have to be creative and innovative to come up with a completely new design.
Q: Do you wear the things you make or only provide for others?
A: I do wear the things I make, almost just to be a walking model. However, I really don’t have the opportunity to wear the things because they’re so upbeat.
Q: What type of fashion will you be making in the future?
A: I plan on making high end fashion in the future reflecting Alexander McQueen, Channel and Marcasa. I have really big plans coming up in the next couple of months, maybe even a fashion show!
