“Ari” is a women's petite blazer made from heavy cotton fabric, named after me to reflect the dedication I've put into my craft, symbolizing entrepreneurship, professionalism, and production—values rooted in my family's legacy of small business, and representing my current journey as I use art to achieve greater things.
“Flow,” inspired by my mom's love for '70s couture and her iconic black-and-white textiles, was the first piece created for my portfolio, marking the beginning of my fashion design journey, while symbolizing the connection to my family's multi-generational sewing legacy, from my grandma to my great-grandma.
“Bucatini,” named after the childhood nickname my mom gave me, is a colorful jacquard puffy skirt with a pink satin bow, exploring the beauty in unconventional elements while challenging myself to work with jacquard fabric to understand sewing looser-knit textiles, all while embracing what’s different and showing its worth.
“Groceries,” made from a canvas bag my mom used for carrying groceries, is a tank top that honors her support of my creative journey, with the zipper symbolizing the first time we sewed together when she taught me to install a zipper at age twelve, making this piece a tribute to her lessons and love.
“Frisson,” made from emerald green satin fabric, captures the rush of exciting emotions and goosebumps associated with the sensation of frisson, inspired by 1970s evening wear, with its sleek, colorful design evoking both elegance and excitement while seamlessly fitting into its intended context.
“Mamaleh” is a Kippah made from green satin fabric, symbolizing empowerment and feminism, reflecting both the traditions of Jewish men and women and the emotional resonance of synagogue services, while also serving as a gift to my bubbie for her guidance throughout my sewing journey.
“Remember” is a pair of pajama pants inspired by those my mom wore in the summer, featuring a simple blue and white striped design and a ripple effect in the fabric that evokes the peaceful warmth of childhood and the bittersweet fragility of memory, made as a gift for a family member in January 2024.
“Arke” is a bright orange balaclava designed for my youngest brother to withstand Minneapolis' harsh winters, inspired by the need for protection during sub-zero temperatures, and created in January 2024 with his favorite color for visibility in the snow.
“Shades” is a partially sewn headwrap created to symbolize the protection of both my hair and identity, inspired by an affinity space called Shades where I first connected with other multiracial individuals and learned to wrap my hair, made in January 2024.
“Dance!” is a purple stretch fabric top with ruffles inspired by traditional folklorico dresses, created to honor my Hispanic heritage and Mexican lineage, made in January 2024.