“Longevity is a testament to how visionary a designer is…”

The soul of design is constructing tangible stories through a visual language. As an artist and designer, I’ve learned to tell a story without words – starting with my muses as main characters, but often have no idea where I am going, where she is going, what she is thinking, who she is becoming…

It’s only when I begin to drape, pin and fold fabrics against the curves of a body that a point of view crystallizes. It’s how original design is created. At times, I fear of not living up to my own idealized expectations of my muse, similar to what many actors may feel when portraying their characters. Fear is one of the greatest motivators that I’ve come to appreciate – forcing you to push your boundaries, your vision and think about what’s truly relevant.

The heart of storytelling for designers is an expression of our common humanity, ushered into reality by currents of chaos, nostalgia, culture, and a hint of escapism. These currents can be disorienting, both in terms of how we express our vision and in how we see ourselves. The struggles and occasional ego that come from being a designer in the fashion world can cloud our perception of what we as artists want – to explore and celebrate our identities and to give to the world our craft.

“…cutting through excessive noise, wielding my pen to sketch the words fingering my heart. Embracing this sensation, the same deep warmth that overcomes you when you are blinded by love. Letting it loose, not hoarding it for myself or saving it for another occasion. Giving it no rest or interruptions – for this is a beautiful part of my wondrous becoming.”

I’m deeply appreciative that the life I chose to live, is full of adventure. Every experience, every place traveled, is a reminder of the importance of sustaining and enriching the vibrant diversity in our heritage, culture, and the health of the world around us. These experiences have inspired me to create art that is both meaningful and memorable.