Spring Break
The Daily OrangeTim Westbrook hones inner passion for fashion with new projects
By Greg Miller
Posted: 4/6/09, 3:18 AM EST Section: Feature
After being accepted into the fashion design program at SU, continuing his education was a natural step for Westbrook. In his freshman year, he took the normal first-year fashion classes, but his sophomore year was a different situation entirely. Last semester, Westbrook took a heavy course load, as well as other responsibilities.
Still in his sophomore year, Westbrook is the vice president of FADS - the Fashion Association of Design Students, a student group made mostly of fashion design majors. This year alone, Westbrook has helped organize three major projects for the group, including two fashion shows.
"Senior year, fashion students have to put out their own money in order to pay for their final collections," Westbrook said. "All the money we make in FADS goes to a scholarship to subsidize the cost."
Another of Westbrook's projects is getting SU fashion students involved at NYC Fashion Week. This year he helped 15 girls attend the Jill Stewart show. He's currently working on next year's events, already making contacts at Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Donna Karan - just to name a few of the most famous.
Westbrook's personal designs are also a top priority. Influenced by John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, Westbrook works with classic silhouettes, giving them a modern twist.
"I like stuff that's breathtaking. You've got this old silhouette with a structured bodice," Westbrook said. "And then, oh! There's some sheer, and you can see her legs!"
For now, Westbrook is focusing on putting identity in each piece, what he calls "dressing your personality." For him, sometimes that means questioning the status quo.
"I'm moving in the sculptural direction. Recently I draped mesh over chiffon for this dress, and my professor thought it was awful at first. Then she said I proved her wrong," said Westbrook. "I like experimentation - like why can't an evening gown be made of grass? But at the same time, I like subtle femininity - something that doesn't hurt if you look at it too long."
gmillerj@syr.edu
Still in his sophomore year, Westbrook is the vice president of FADS - the Fashion Association of Design Students, a student group made mostly of fashion design majors. This year alone, Westbrook has helped organize three major projects for the group, including two fashion shows.
"Senior year, fashion students have to put out their own money in order to pay for their final collections," Westbrook said. "All the money we make in FADS goes to a scholarship to subsidize the cost."
Another of Westbrook's projects is getting SU fashion students involved at NYC Fashion Week. This year he helped 15 girls attend the Jill Stewart show. He's currently working on next year's events, already making contacts at Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Donna Karan - just to name a few of the most famous.
Westbrook's personal designs are also a top priority. Influenced by John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, Westbrook works with classic silhouettes, giving them a modern twist.
"I like stuff that's breathtaking. You've got this old silhouette with a structured bodice," Westbrook said. "And then, oh! There's some sheer, and you can see her legs!"
For now, Westbrook is focusing on putting identity in each piece, what he calls "dressing your personality." For him, sometimes that means questioning the status quo.
"I'm moving in the sculptural direction. Recently I draped mesh over chiffon for this dress, and my professor thought it was awful at first. Then she said I proved her wrong," said Westbrook. "I like experimentation - like why can't an evening gown be made of grass? But at the same time, I like subtle femininity - something that doesn't hurt if you look at it too long."
gmillerj@syr.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Pablo Enterrios
posted 10/17/09 @ 1:07 PM EST
Tim Westbrook, congratulations !! You know I allways trutsted in your ability with fabrics. Continue like this You are, will be, one of the Bigs in Fashion World. (Continued…)
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