Greer's OC

Greer's Girls

Fashioned for the Future student designer Vanessa Lozada

03.24.16

By Christianna Barrack

At OC Fashion Week last week, each emerging designer of “Fashioned for the Future” was given the opportunity to showcase three to four creations from their collections. Student designer Vanessa Lozada at the Art Institute of Orange County debuted her looks and was one of the contestants to win a full showcase premiere this September! Vanessa Lozada gives advice to aspiring designers and shares her feelings on being a part of OC Fashion Week with Greer’s Girl, Christianna Barrack.

1. How did it feel to have your collection shown at OC Fashion Week?
It was a wonderful surprise when my instructor Sonin Lee gave me the news. I was excited but a bit nervous because it’s my first time participating at OC Fashion Week. Watching the audience applauding for my work was a great feeling. Having the support of my family and friends at the show gave me confidence.

2. Who are your style icons?
Carolina Herrera has such and effortless feminine style that I truly admire and Alexander Mcqueen has that bold, avant garde surreal style that inspires.

3. What are your favorite fabrics to work with?
I mainly work with solid or textured fabrics for evening wear. I always like adding something else other that fabric to my designs implementing what originally inspired me.

4. What are your biggest challenges as a designer?
Putting myself out there. Networking. I am not the most social person not because I don’t like people but because it hard to express or explain myself with words. People are always amazed of my work once it’s done but I fear of not being able to convince a client, boss, or investor to believe in my ideas through a presentation before the design/garment is made.

5. Words of advice for an aspiring designer?
You are not always going to win an award or be recognize for your work but what you will always win is experience. Experience brings guidance for the next step.