Caitlin Wagner is a currently a junior in the apparel design program at the University of Wisconsin. In the past three years, she has worked hard designing and sewing her own designs. I had the great opportunity to sit down with this talented girl to hear more about her designs!
Name: Caitlin Wagner
Role: Student Designer
CollegeFashionista: What do you love most about the University of Wisconsin’s apparel design program?
Caitlin Wagner: Once you get into the upper level classes, you really get to decide what you want to do with the coursework. You have certain guidelines, but it’s really open ended and you get to experiment.
CF: Which class in the program has been your favorite?
CW: I loved the draping through time class. I’m really interested in looking at historical fashion trends and using that as inspiration. I love watching movies and getting inspiration from them. I’ve taken some costume design programs, and I’ve enjoyed that. You can push it farther than just fashion; it can be specific and I think that is a very exciting way of thinking of design.
CF: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
CW: I really love the costume design. I enjoy pushing myself to see what I can do differently. I like going over the top and doing handwork or embellishments. I like making things that people will look at and say that’s not just clothing, that’s art.
CF: How would you describe your personal style and favorite trends?
CW: I try not to follow trends because it changes so quickly. I try not to be too averse to functional dressing. Right now, I’m really into simple pieces that you can dress up or down depending on what you need to do. Being comfortable while still maintaining a sense of style is what I set out to do. I’m in love with J.Crew’s yellows and neutrals, there’s something really striking about it.
CF: When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
CW: I started sewing when I was seven years old. The real push came when I was prom dress shopping in high school. I hated everything and wanted to make my own designs. It gave me the chance to pick and choose pieces and put them together to make something no one else would have. I like the idea of custom garments and knowing that this is just mine.
Learn More: Caitlin is waiting to here back from FIT, where she’s hoping to spend her senior year. You can stay up to date on her designs by checking out her website!
