MODA Designer Profiles: Kaite Zellner

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 Kaite Zellner, a 4th year Biology major and Creative Writing minor!

1. What are some sources of inspiration for your collection this year?

I am generally inspired by the detail work of designers like Valentino. I aspire to that level of detail and construction. I also like to base my collections on some sort of unifying theme, usually just something I really like. Last year it was cats. This year it's based on my research on jellyfish. I joke that since I'm not writing a real thesis, my collection will be my thesis. Don't tell my PI though! It's supposed to be a surprise.  

2. Have you ever done fashion design work before? What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?

This will be my second collection for MODA and my third fashion collection. Designing for a show has always been a strange experience since I usually sew for myself. When I sew for myself, a whole different series of priorities comes to mind: comfort, re-wear value, pockets. With MODA, I get to go a bit crazy with design and get to challenge myself with new techniques.

I think sewing is one of the most rewarding hobbies because your progress is incredibly concrete; the garments I made a year ago pale in comparison to what I can make now. Also, it's inherently shareable. The best feeling is someone complimenting your outfit and getting to say "Thanks! I made it!"

3. What are you looking forward to most about the MODA Fashion Show?

I really enjoy MODA because I become more involved in a community of designers. Sewing has not been a very social hobby. I usually just sew with Project Runway playing in the background, but with MODA I get to meet a ton of other designers and people interested in the process.  

All images via Kaite Zellner

Featured image via Kaite Zellner