MODA Designer Profiles: Spencer Kaplan
Every year, the MODA Fashion Show wraps up winter quarter with the perfect homage to student talent, hard work and creativity. In anticipation of the show, we will be interviewing MODA Designers. Meet Spencer Kaplan, a 4th year International Studies and Economics Double Major.
1. What are some sources of inspiration for your collection this year?
I designed my collection with a strong focus on pattern and material. I decided to stay away from color and instead challenged myself to make my designs visually interesting in other ways. To that end, I mixed unique materials like embossed polyester with classic ones like denim. I also tried to combine elements in alternative ways: a dress with a bib top or a dress over trousers, for example.
I'm designing both mens and womenswear, but I'm inspired by the menswear of designers like Christophe Lemaire and Issey Miyake. Both gesture towards classic shapes with a relaxed fit and careful attention to material. I'm drawn to this sensibility because it provides enough freedom to innovate with the comfort of an established design vocabulary.
In the end, I want my designs to be versatile, wearable, and cool.
2. Have you ever done fashion design work before? What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?
This is my first time doing fashion design work. It's my first time even making serious sketches of garments, let alone making any of them! As a designer with no experience, the most challenging part is anticipating what's next in the process. Every step is full of new experiences requiring a new set of skills and a new way to approach problems. While the learning curve makes the process difficult, it also makes it exciting and rewarding. My goal is to completely surprise myself with the end product.
3. What are you looking forward to most about the MODA Fashion Show?
I've attended the MODA Fashion Show as a guest for the last two years, so this time, I'm most excited to actually participate. I can't wait to see my models wear my pieces and show them to everyone at the show!
All images courtesy of Spencer Kaplan.
