Step back fashion designers everywhere! Evelyn Ekstrom not only has a passion for fashion, but a fine arts background that allows her creativity to shine through in her designs. Evelyn, a design major in the Fashion Design program at ISU, strives to design pieces that make her happy, as well as make others happy. Her artistic background gives Evelyn a competitive edge over other designers, and allows her to be able to create in a way that others do not. We were so lucky to be able to sit down with Evelyn and find out a bit more about her, as well as her collection.
Her Campus: Have you always been a fashion major?
Evelyn: No, I started my schooling in the arts, and ended up getting my associates degree in fine arts before I came to ISU. After coming to ISU, I was able to venture into what I have always wanted to pursue, which was the fashion field.
Design by Evelyn Ekstrom, 2016 ISU Fashion Show
Her Campus: What inspires you to do the work you do?
Evelyn: With so much pressure in life and work, clothing is a getaway that can effortlessly lift someone’s spirits and boost their confidence throughout their day. In the end, all I really want to do is create pieces of art that make people happy and comfortable, while also showing my own personal style as well as their own. This thought, as well as my family’s massive support, reminds me where my passion lies, and inspires my work every single day.
Her Campus: Tell us something interesting about yourself that sets you apart from other designers.
Evelyn: My degree in fine arts is probably one aspect of myself I take great pride in that may possibly set me apart from other designers. With the knowledge of fine arts, I am able to combine my artistic skills with the garments I create. I can create highly detailed sketches that help me construct the gowns relatively easily, and I have even ventured into creating my own patterns using my graphic knowledge, which you can see this year in my collection.
Her Campus: Other than designing for the fashion show, what other projects are you working on right now?
Evelyn: As of about a week ago, all other projects have been put off to the side until the fashion show is complete. I do have a few crochet projects, as well as portrait projects that are waiting for my return.
Design by Evelyn Ekstrom, 2016 ISU Fashion Show
Her Campus: What’s your favorite part about the FDM program?
Evelyn: The faculty is amazing, and the opportunities I have been provided are grand. The Lois Jett Costume Collection is one of my favorite opportunities that this program has provided me. I am very interested in fashion history so this has always been one of my favorite parts of this program. The collection is filled with historic pieces dating back to the early 1900’s, and continuing to present day. This collection allows students to the ability to analyze garments from different years and decades, therefore giving the knowledge that they need to grow as fashion professionals.
Design by Evelyn Ekstrom, 2016 ISU Fashion Show
Her Campus: What are your plans after college?
Evelyn: After college, I would love to join a company where I can grow as a designer. I want to join a company who has similar values as me. In my opinion, as long as I am within the field of fashion, which I have always wanted to pursue, I will consider myself successful. I can confidently say that I hope to be somewhere I can create gowns or formal wear or even continue with creating fashion illustrations, which I love to create.
Her Campus: As far as your collection for the 2017 fashion show, can you give us an idea of what we can expect?
Evelyn: This collection was created to emphasize my love of fine details, while paying tribute to individual family members who have supported my dreams. I hope when people view my collection they are overtaken by the feminine beauty, and its ability to have a dark side.
Design by Evelyn Ekstrom, 2016 ISU Fashion Show
Her Campus: We are so happy we got to know a bit more about you and your collection, Evelyn! We look forward to the show!
Tickets for the 2017 HIGHLIGHTS themed Illinois State Fashion Show are on sale at the Braden Box Office, or online at Ticketmaster.com. The show is April 13th with light refreshments at 5 P.M. and a show start time of 7 P.M.