Fashion design major Morgan Manning has dipped into many different career paths throughout college, but now she is definitely following her dreams. This year, Morgan’s first collection will debut in the Illinois State Fashion Show. Read on to find out more about her and her inspiration!
Her Campus: Have you always been a fashion major?
Morgan Manning: I have been all over the place major-wise in college. I originally wanted to go into fashion design but got deterred by being told I’d never make any money or get a job. Freshman year, I attended DePaul University in Chicago, where I was a business major. When I first transferred to ISU my sophomore year, I was an elementary education major. When I finally realized I couldn’t just keep putting it off, I knew that I just had to go after what I wanted, so I transferred programs into fashion design.
HC: Why do you love fashion?
Morgan: I love the versatility of it. I especially love the creative side of it. It’s really cool to see visions come to life and how something can come from a flat sheet of fabric.
HC: What is the inspiration behind your collection?
Morgan: I really want to get into sustainable development of some sort, so for my line, I wanted it to be completely recycled with a mix of different patterns and textures.
HC: What is something interesting about yourself that sets you apart from other designers?
Morgan: I think my vast array of majors and diverse education probably sets me apart. I look at life and different situations from different perspectives, and I think that impacts my decisions on how I design and create.
HC: What is your dream job after college?
Morgan: After college, I would love to work as a designer at a company that specializes in sustainability and fair trade such as Everlane, Reformation, Patagonia, etc.
HC: Give us a little idea about what we can expect to see in your collection.
Morgan: My collection is a mix of patterns, textures and silhouettes. All fabric was thrifted from Goodwill and deconstructed to make the garments in my collection. Think wildly romantic, soft, vintage and recycled.
HC: We can’t wait to see your collection on the runway in April, Morgan!