Erica Chapman, a soon to be undergraduate from Cal State L.A., shares with us her interest in fashion, her goals, her dreams, and the next step into her bright future….do I hear Parsons NYC?
What sparked your interest in fashion?
I’m a rare case. I’ve always loved art but never saw myself doing anything with it. I also never looked at magazines nor did I like to sew. Before college I could honestly not give a dang about fashion. I loved and still love the topics History and Anthropology but I decided to take one Textiles class with Professor Davis, and fell in love. Fashion honestly smushed together all my loves…Art, Anthropology, Gender and Sexuality, Religion, Identity and History. After that Textiles class I was set for life!
Why is fashion significant?
Fashion has the ability to create an identity, change perspectives, create change, inspire, and gives people the power of self-expression.
Who would you say your favorite designer/brand is and why?
People and artists in general are my favorite “designers.” If you think about it, they are the biggest critics and inspirations for designers. They buy the clothes! But if I had to name on person it would be Alexander McQueen. He created pieces that were built off of social issues, gender and totally envisioned women as a warrior like being, rather now a days they are over sexualized in media and etc. The things he created is my exact aesthetic or close to it.
Have you been involved with any clubs or orgs here on-campus? Or are you more involved in career opportunities? I’m definitely more involved in career opportunities. Currently I am a freelance stylist for a couple of high profile photographers here in L.A. so I work with them when I don’t have a load of homework since editorial shoots are an all day affair.
What career opportunities have you been involved in? Tell us about it?
Thus far I have done a totally of 4 internships. Two in showrooms located in Downtown LA and a social media/research internship for Coxy Inc. and a photography internship that ended up with me being the house stylist.
What do you love about those opportunities, and what did you hate?For the showroom internships, I absolutely loved the experience; I needed it and its still helping me till this day, but I hated working behind a desk 90 percent of the time. I can’t do that! The photography internships were amazing! No complaints here…except for sore feet and back because I was running around on set. But even when my body takes a toll I love every minute of being on set. I’m literally surrounded by creative people who are just as crazy as me. Its great! It’s also where I get all my content and ideas for case studies so it’s a win win.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Gosh, I hope I will be in Paris/New York/ London doing case studies and creating crazy avant-garde jewelry pieces for magazine editorials.
What is your dream job?I plan to produce scholarly work on the use and over use of ethnic, cultural and religious symbols in everything from high fashion to fast fashion; and how the use of cigarettes in fashion photography is being portrayed today in this day and age. Is it still a hazardous influence or an accessory? To be continued.
What is next in the life of Erica Chapmen? Crazy as it seems, after graduation I will be going to New York to complete an M.A. in Fashion Studies at Parsons, The New School. Super excited for the school, not for the snow.
What is your favorite place to eat on/off campus when you have the time to actually sit down and enjoy a meal?I love The Counter in Downtown Los Angeles. It’s literally the only place I have found thus far that caters to my forced selective diet while still being able to have a burger. It’s a win win.
What do you love about Cal State L.A.?
The diversity! Oh how I love the diversity. And the fact that I am not surrounded 24/7 by persons in the Fashion degree program is fantastic! I get to hear and learn other perspectives that I would never have thought of. Cal State L.A. forces you outside your own bubble, by mixing students from other degree programs together and the school is awesome for that.
Any advice for the incoming fashion and textiles seniors?
The best advice I could give anyone who will be joining the fashion program is to use your resources and to not be afraid to ask questions. The advisors and professors are there to help. Tell them your goals early so they can do their best to guide you. Also, internships are your friend. I would suggest having 2 to 3 under your belt before graduating so you can at least have experience and an understanding of the industry before you go out to join it.