Maria Balestino is a junior Fashion Design major here at PhilaU and recently, her work has been featured in Philadelphia University`s Design X show and also, the runway show “Project Wedding Dress” hosted by celebrity wedding planner, David Tutera.
1. What activities are you involved in around campus?
I’m a member of the PhilaU Singers and Honors Student Association and an intern at the Costume and Textile Design Center.
2. What do you like to do in your free time?
When I’m not working on projects for class, I like to de-stress by playing piano, singing and dancing in my apartment, going to events in the city, and hanging out with friends.
3. What first got you interested in Fashion/Textile Design?
My three younger sisters and I used to play dress-up a lot when we were little, and I would style their outfits. Then when I was a little older, I started hand sewing clothes for my Barbies. I always loved working on art projects, but it wasn’t until high school that I actually thought about fashion design as a career. During a project freshman year, I started doing fashion drawing and loved it! I also had the opportunity to make a dress out of unconventional materials [Capri Sun juice bags] during my senior year and it was shown in a recycled fashion show. It was a unique experience that has definitely helped me with my Problem Solving class projects.
4. How did it feel to have your piece featured in Design X?
I was so excited to have the dress in Design X because I have been going to the show since freshman year and finally being a part of it this year meant a lot! I worked so hard to make that wedding dress and I’m so happy I was able to show people what I’m capable of.
5. What was your design process for creating your dress?
I started with sketchbook research on weddings and I was inspired by images of gorgeous crystal chandeliers. I stumbled across photos of Art Nouveau chandeliers by Hector Guimard and loved the intricate and curving lines and details of his work. The Art Nouveau style architecture also inspired my final design. From there, I experimented with unconventional materials by manipulating them to resemble the images I found in my research.
6. Problem Solving forces students to use non-fabric materials for garments, what materials did you choose and why?
I used wedding invitations for the entire top of the bodice, paper for the roses, plastic bags, plastic containers, wire for the bridal headdress, masking tape, and a LOT of hot glue to keep it all together. We were actually allowed to use some fabric for this project, so the skirt of my dress was only fabric so the detail at the top of the dress would stand out. Part of the project requirement was to incorporate “Invitations by Dawn” somewhere in the dress, and I wanted to make those cards a focal point in the bodice.
7. What was your most memorable moment at PhilaU?
One of my most memorable moments would have to be Herb Magee’s 1,000th win basketball game. The huge crowd was so energized and spirited and it made me proud to be a Ram.
8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I’d love to be working at a fashion house in NYC as a designer or pattern maker and gaining insight into industry operations so eventually I can start my own business.