Designer Profile 2023: Elias Widawsky

As the 2023 MODA Fashion Show approaches, I had the pleasure to sit down with new MODA designer Elias Widawsky, whose collection engages with the exploration of masculinity.

Tell me about yourself.

Hello! My name is Elias Widawsky, and I am a first year in the College studying film and English. Outside of MODA, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and going on walks.

Give me the rundown of your collection.

I am creating three pieces that are inspired by ancient Greek clothes. The first piece involves a skirt and knitted crop top while the second piece involves long shorts and cape inspired by ancient Sparta. The third piece is a long toga, possibly made of denim. Interested in exploring masculinity, I wanted to design androgynous outfits that were worn by male models but blurred the boundaries between different genders. The idea was to reimagine masculinity—not reject it. Looking at ancient Greece was perfect as it is a very traditional society. Clothes in ancient Greece such as tunics, robes, and togas were draped over the body and shaped around them. I wanted to illustrate the body taking ownership of its clothes. Instead of the clothes shaping the body, it is the body shaping the clothes. I was also inspired by my SOSC readings in Classics, namely Republic by Plato.

What are other sources of inspiration for your collection, including people, places, and media?

Kiko Kostadinov—he tries to reimagine masculine silhouettes, not by embracing femininity and androgyny, but by redefining what it is to be a man and what it looks like to wear masculine outfits. Outside of fashion, movies and books that changed the way I view men include The Picture of Dorian Gray, Bones and All, Trainspotting, Buffalo '66, and Beau Travail. They all reframe masculinity in different ways. In terms of musicians, I would say Kurt Cobain, David Bowie, and A$AP Rocky.

Do you have a person in mind when you design your clothes? Who embodies your designs?

Myself—I am still trying to figure out what it means for me to be a man and what that means in society today. I projected that idea and this view of myself onto my clothing.

Can you tell me more about your fabric choice, constructions, and silhouettes?

I am using a lot of denim. As for silhouettes, I wanted the clothes to be more freeing and to reveal the body as well as fit around it. I do not want the clothes to obstruct the body.

Describe your collection in three words.

Blurry, fluid, and fun.

Describe your collection using a song.

Out My Way by Lucki.

Have you ever done fashion design work? Can you tell me more about how and why you got started in fashion design?

This is my first time in design work! I applied to the DBC Program and got in. The DBC teacher taught us how to sew once a week for a few hours, which was a great experience. The other students in the DBC program are great, and it was fun to grow together.

Did you original design develop as you learned more in the DBC Program? What was the timeline of the process?

When I first submitted my mood boards and outfit ideas to the program, the looks were much more modern and Y2K inspired. I also wanted to work with leather but realized that it would be way too difficult; I had to change my ideas to something I could feasibly do. We learned how to sew in fall quarter and figured out our designs and selected fabrics at the start of winter quarter. We also had to pick models.

Do you work in a studio? In your room?

During the DBC program, we worked in the Logan Center. It was nice because the five of us there got to know each other and are good friends now. There is a studio space in Ida Noyes, but I mostly sew in my room.

What are some challenging and rewarding aspects of the design process?

I think the most challenging aspect of the process is how tedious and slow it is—I did not realize how much preparation had to go into the design. I thought you could cut fabric, throw it in a machine, and make whatever. In reality, a lot work goes into measuring fabrics, finding patterns, and cutting all the different pieces. I am generally more impulsive and less organized, but I do believe that all the planning makes the final product so much more rewarding. My favorite aspect of the process is the act of sewing as I find really fun and therapeutic.

Looking back on your design journey, what have you learned? Share your growth.

I have learned to plan ahead, work in advance, and not leaving everything to last minute. I am still trying to put these lessons into practice.

So would you design for MODA again?

Definitely.

What is advice you would give to someone applying to the DBC Program or trying to design clothes for MODA next year?

Be open to new ideas and to learning something new. Try to work out a link between your personality and what you want to design.

What are you looking forward to most for the show?

I look forward to seeing how it unveils. Also, the afterparty! I am also modeling one of my looks, so that is exciting.

Do you have any fashion advice for first time show attendees?

Go all out.

What is your style and how would you describe it?

My style is a nice sweater with some baggy jeans. I like boots, pointed heels, New Balance sneakers, and nonuniform colors and textures. I would also say that my style is grunge and sporadic, anything from Y2K to 90s Punk to 70s Rock.

What are your fashion inspirations and influences?

The environment and people around me inspire me. Movies and music also inspire me indirectly and mold my idea of an aesthetic. My mom inspires me, especially when she dressed me in a leather jacket, scarf, and sunglasses. Evan Mock and Jack Johnson too.