Designers Discuss: Monica Lee

As part of our organization's mission, Scarlet Style aims to find and interview creative-minded Rutgers students who have an avid interest in fashion. Monica Lee, a senior at Rutgers, spends her spare time designing and creating clothes for herself and her friends. We can't thank her enough for creating time out of her busy schedule to have an email correspondence with us. Check out the interview below!

1. How did you first become interested in fashion design?

I first became interested in fashion design because my mom sewed a lot, so I started to make purses at a young age. Then, at school, someone stole the first purse that I made. Upset but determined, I wanted to make purses and other things that were different and personalized to my style so that if they ever wore it, I would know I made it. That event evolved into my passion for design, creativity, and a more distinct style.


2. What items or pieces of clothing are your favorite to make?Why?

I think dresses and tops are my favorite to make. Tops are fun because many times, I like to be environmentally friendly, and grab clothes that I already have and make a new top out of it. Dresses are fun to create because they are nice to wear and the fact that dresses can change from casual to sophisticated with a different material.

3. Where do you find the inspiration for your pieces?

I think people and fashion are the usual inspiration for my pieces. I was recently inspired by a friend because he was fascinated that I could create clothing. That motivated me to create a summer dress and a tube top over the summer. In general, my family is inspirational because they always motivate me to be creative, productive, and to have fun. Fashion is also a factor because many times I would find something I like in a store, or online. Because the price is too high or I don't feel like spending the money, I'd take that piece as an inspiration and go out to buy something to similarly replicate it.

4. What do you plan to do in the future with your talent for design?

I'd love to start my own business maybe with accessories in the future, and maybe branch out into clothes. But for right now, I'm using it to give back to the community. I'm going to show my pieces at a charity benefit concert/fashion show this fall semester that is sponsored by my club organization, Unite for Sight.

5. How do you feel about fashion at Rutgers? What would you like to see happen?
 
I feel that fashion at Rutgers is very diverse. I think it's great that there are so many different styles at this school. I would like to see more people who design their clothes make it public to the Rutgers community so that everyone can appreciate it and maybe get inspired.

--MA