AROUND TOWN: Kathryn Sell

Being a designer you learn and gain many perspectives to grow on. Senior, Kathryn Sell is a design major with an art minor at Central Michigan University. Having been involved in Threads since freshman year, Kathryn shares her experience and advice to all aspiring designers.Witnessing Kathryn’s collection on the runway at Threads was simply breath taking and every garment flowed with grace. With the success of her romantic collection Kathryn placed 3rd in the show overall.

Name: Kathryn Sell

Role: Threads Fashion Show Designer

College Fashionista: What is the inspiration of your collection?

Kathryn Sell: I am in love with love! I am enthralled with the fairytales, romantic stories and happily ever afters! Women young and old inspire me to create because I want to bring their dreams into reality through my dresses. I want my collection to tell a story that moves the audience members in a positive way.

CF: What advice would you give to first year design majors and minors?

KS: To aspiring fashion designers, where there is dedication and hard work there is talent. If you can draw but you can’t sew, dedicate your time and effort into the weaker area and you will succeed. I want to encourage freshmen to make relationships with their classmates; some of my best friendships at CMU have come out of the program. You will bond with the same girls for four years, putting long hours in the sewing lab together; you will see them at their best and their worst, so make the most of those relationships! Meet for coffee outside of class; go out for lunch because you will enjoy going to class so much more when they are your best of friends.

CF: How does it feel to be a veteran for Threads? 

KS: I feel so excited! Every year of Threads feels so different—the designers, the producers and the details of the show change and to me that keeps it exciting! I still feel as excited as I did when I was a freshman who was modeling for the show. During that year I never thought I would be able to do what the senior designers did, but here I am!

CF: What do you love about Threads the most?

KS: I love the chaos backstage; it’s so thrilling! The energy and excitement in both the models and the designers is contagious. The last minute garment changes or hair and makeup tragedies just add to the excitement! I also enjoy seeing the younger designers clothes; I usually don’t see them until the day of the show. What they come up with is always innovative and creative.