In honor of New York Fashion Week Season, I wanted to share my collection from last year! #nyfw
Hi my name is Stephanie Vargas Hemmings, I am a Puerto Rican American fashion designer and enthusiast. I never really posted my full collection because I was dealing with high functioning depression throughout the year, that it was really hard to enjoy what I loved, let alone what I created.
This collection is entitled "Serenity", a state l
wish my mind was in yet was still able to create it. Serenity was inspired by koi fish and avatar the last airbender (the animated series)! This has been my second collection to ever create and has been by far my absolute favorite!
Truly grateful to my closest friends for making the trip up to surprise me, my mom for always trying to keep pushing me to continue my craft, my mentor for her guidance and textile design collaboration, to Albright College and The Very New York Team, and selfishly to myself for never giving up.
To all student designers and designers showcasing this season I'm so incredibly proud of you. It's a tough journey but your designs are always so innovative and creative keep going!
To my future self stop worrying, let go, and just create. There's more freedom in your expression than there is in your thoughts and emotion suppression.
... Read moreThe runway lights dim, the music swells, and suddenly, months—sometimes years—of dedication culminate in mere minutes. For any designer, showcasing a collection, especially at an event like New York Fashion Week, is a monumental milestone. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about sharing a part of your soul, a narrative woven into every stitch and silhouette.
My own journey with the 'Serenity' collection felt particularly profound. The idea first bloomed from a fascination with the graceful movement of koi fish and the rich, elemental aesthetics of *Avatar: The Last Airbender*. How do you translate such distinct inspirations into wearable art? It begins with immersion: sketching, mood boarding, delving into color palettes that evoke both the serene blues and greens of water and the warm, vibrant yellows of a sunset. The challenge lies in creating a cohesive vision, ensuring each garment, from a bold, yellow and blue patterned mandarin collar jacket to a delicate, sheer embellished white bodysuit, speaks the same language.
There are moments of doubt, of course. Creative blocks can feel like an insurmountable wall, especially when personal struggles weigh heavy. Yet, it’s often in these moments of vulnerability that true innovation sparks. Pushing through, trusting the process, and allowing myself to simply create became my mantra. It's a powerful lesson for any aspiring artist: your expression is freest when untethered from self-doubt.
Bringing 'Serenity' to life involved countless hours of fabric selection, pattern making, and fittings. I remember meticulously choosing the textiles that would best capture the fluidity of water for the blue and green patterned draped skirts, or the strength of an elemental warrior for the high-waisted white wide-leg pants. The details mattered: the cutouts on a yellow and blue patterned crop top, the twist of a purple and blue bandeau, the strategic ruffles on a strapless blue top. Each element was a deliberate choice, intended to resonate with the collection's theme.
The day of the show is a whirlwind of organized chaos. Backstage, the energy is palpable – models getting ready, hair and makeup artists working their magic, the final touches being made to each look. Seeing the vision come together, watching a model confidently stride down the runway in a royal blue one-shoulder top or a long yellow and blue patterned robe, is an indescribable feeling. It’s a validation of every late night, every challenge overcome. It’s a moment of shared triumph, not just for the designer, but for the entire team who believed in the dream.
For anyone pursuing a creative path, remember this: your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Seek out mentors, cherish your support system, and never stop nurturing your craft. The journey is tough, filled with highs and lows, but the reward of seeing your creation shine is unparalleled. Keep going; your designs are innovative, and your creative spirit is invaluable.