MODA Designer Profile: Carolyn Johansen
Carolyn Johansen is a First-Year undergraduate, who considers majoring in Economics or Chemistry - or both. In addition to designing outfits for this year’s MODA Fashion Show, Carolyn also enjoys playing flute in the wind ensemble.
In order to discuss Carolyn’s work for the upcoming MODA Fashion Show, we met over coffee to discuss her artistic style and inspiration.
What are some sources of inspiration for your collection?
A lot of my inspiration comes from things being comfortable and practical, which I know isn’t very exciting, but I really thought about things that were missing from my own wardrobe, that I wanted, and had just never gotten around to making. So for this show, I’ve been focusing on designs that people could wear to class or around Chicago - just because that’s where my head has been lately.
This @beautyspock image was another inspiration for Carolyn’s collection: “I really loved this image because of the bold print of the jacket. The silhouette is very classic, but the print makes it look modern and trendy, which is something I am trying to capture in my collection.”
“So for this show, I’ve been focusing on designs that people could wear to class or around Chicago - just because that’s where my head has been lately. ”
Original sketches of Carolyn’s collection.
Have you ever done fashion design work before?
I’ve loved to sew for years. I was seven when I first started (I was in second grade). And since then, I have sewn many projects, from my prom dress to my high school graduation dress.
I have also taken some courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. That was my introduction to formal fashion design. Before that, I just thought of items I wanted to make and I made them. So those courses taught me to make more mature fashion designs, as opposed to home sewing projects.
Carolyn (left) stands next to her friend Grace at their Senior Prom. Carolyn wears the dress she created for the occasion.
What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?
I have to say that the most challenging aspect has been designing things for me that aren’t actually for me. I’m used to making clothing adjustments for myself. But I can’t call my models up and have them try my outfits on within 20 minutes. It’s more of a process. But that has been a great learning experience, for me to better understand how the fashion industry really works.
“It’s more of a process. But that has been a great learning experience, for me to better understand how the fashion industry really works. ”
Something that I’ve really enjoyed so far is being able to connect with people across campus through MODA. I have a friend who is a model, and it’s been really fun to talk to her throughout the process and to get her opinion. She’ll be modeling one of my designs. I’m going to make her a jumpsuit, which will be trendy and cool. She can also put a jacket on with the jumpsuit, and wear it to dinner with her parents, so the look will be versatile. And just having that open communication with MODA participants isn’t something I’ve had in the past, because it was always just me.
What are you looking forward to most about the show?
I don’t know. I think I’m just excited for the whole thing. It’s going to be very different from anything I’ve ever done or experienced before, so it’s going to be really cool to see how it all comes together.
Who do you have in mind when you’re designing?
I’ll admit it’s usually me, because I focus on my experiences. I also think about my sister. We have always sewn together, and I reach out to her for guidance and advice. We once made First Communion dresses out of wedding dresses, for some family friends. It was a really fun project - and working together also alleviated the stress of cutting up people’s old wedding dresses. My sister and I have also made curtains for my mom. So we work together and give each other feedback. And she’s excited and curious to watch me go through this design process on campus.
“We once made First Communion dresses out of wedding dresses, for some family friends. It was a really fun project - and working together also alleviated the stress of cutting up people’s old wedding dresses. ”
In this high school graduation photo, Carolyn (left) stands next to her sister. Carolyn wears the dress that she made for graduation.
If you could give yourself any advice on the design process, what would you say to your younger self?
Advice I would give to myself in general is to challenge myself. There are things that I sometimes brush off as too challenging, but I’m trying to approach those challenges for MODA - which makes things more interesting.
What’s your favorite aspect of the design process?
I like it because it’s so custom and I have so much freedom to do what I want. When I was younger, I couldn’t always find the clothing I wanted. So, by creating pieces for myself, I can plan and actually make my ideas happen.
“So, by creating pieces for myself, I can plan and actually make my ideas happen. ”
