XYRS is my brand, representing freedom of identity. I wanted to dedicate this collection to people who are confined by gender boxes, labels, and expectations meant to repress expression and community. This collection honors individuals who have been criticized for being their authentic selves, whether labeled too feminine, too masculine, too fat, or simply not aligned with societal standards. XYRS will be a brand that exists to remind us that identity is not something to apologize for; it is something to embrace. We are all different, and it is those differences that make us unique and ultimately bring us together. My trends for my collection are asymmetry, distressed, and hardware. This collection blends punk and raw aesthetics with both feminine and masculine elements, creating a space where contrast becomes harmony. Sharp tailoring meets deconstructed silhouettes, while delicate details coexist with aggressive textures. The garments are intentionally imperfect, with frayed edges, asymmetrical lines, and layered construction, symbolizing the beauty within disorder.
What is the concept
of your collection?
My biggest inspirations for this collection were Vivienne Westwood ( Sex Pistols era when she was dating McLaren ), NOID, and Telfar. -I was also inspired by the human experience. XYRS explores how people exist in constant duality: soft and hard, controlled and chaotic, vulnerable and powerful. Each piece is designed not just to be worn, but to express individuality and challenge societal norms. XYRS is more than a clothing brand for me. It is a statement of identity, a statement of the unapologetic self-expression and a message to the world that our differences are what build community. I can’t wait to build a community around it!
What was the inspiration
behind your collection?
What is the name of your collection and how did you come up with it?
The name of this Collection is my Future Brand Name because it is my first collection to be put out into the world. Because it is a first, I wanted to use this whole experience as an introduction to the world to let them know who I am and how I’m coming for the future.
Why did you choose the fabrics you did?
I chose the fabrics I did because I think they gave a quality feel of the rugged, edgy look that I was going for. For example, for one of my shirts, I chose the fabric because it looks like mini chainmail, which gives punk.
My target Audience is women and men from the ages of 17-40. People who enjoy & contribute to the creative crowd that connects with edgy, punk-inspired styles and value individuality, inclusivity, and raw self-expression. XYRS is for people who want their clothing to reflect who they are without limits, making them feel confident, bold, and unapologetically themselves. To build an image, imagine being in New York at a DJ mix or rave.
Who is the target audience/customer for your collection?
What did you learn the most while creating your collection?
That I am a better sewer than I thought lol. I learned that.
Who or what inspired you to pursue fashion?
My Highschool Fashion Teacher, who wasn’t my teacher at first, because I was at my school in high school to do Graphic Design. She was a substitute for my class one day and gave the assignment to do a fashion sketch, which I had never done before, because clothes were important but not that important to me at first. I did great, and ever since that day, she has persuaded me to switch my CTE. I didn’t see what she saw at all until I made the switch, and the rest is history. I’ve been into fashion ever since it has become one of the most important things to me, and it goes way beyond clothes. It’s a mental thing for me as well. Fashion is what helped me come out . Fashion is why I’m as confident as I am today.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
Freelance and get my name out there! Also, look for a job in pattern making, Styling, Makeup, etc., whatever I can get as an upcoming designer in this crazy economy.
How has your personal style evolved over the course of your education?
Absolutely! Designing clothes has helped me find my niche in what I like for my personal self, building so many moodboards and doing so many sketches. Plus, with me designing, I find new ways to accessorize, which makes my personal style more fun.
What is one piece of advice you wish you could give to your freshman self?
Go to class and stop doubting yourself just because you’re unfamiliar. Those people at home are holding you back. They’ll be there when you graduate:) to love himself first, and everything after that will follow literally.