Kinley Lingenfelter is a sophomore fashion design student at here at Jefferson! I asked her a couple questions about her life as a designer and a student.
Why did you go into fashion design?
I started sewing at 11 and taught myself everything I know. I am dyslexic, and for me, regular schooling was always something very challenging and discouraging. My dyslexia helped me with fashion design because it brought out that creative side of my brain that worked differently than most. I was able to express myself through fashion and really be happy and proud of myself. It’s an out for me and a way I let my brain shut off and just be completely content with who I am, while still pushing my boundaries and exploring my own mind.
What do you want to do with your design major?
I really want to do more Avante-garde type of looks for red carpets and MET Gala events.
What is your favorite thing about fashion design?
I love the ability to be completely me and have the freedom to create what I love and explore my own imagination in adorning the body with unique and odd clothes.
Where do you find the most inspiration for your ideas?
I love looking at every aspect of life to find inspiration for my ideas. Above all, I want my designs to speak on political and social issues in this world and bring awareness to different inequalities and issues in our society. I want my clothes to not only influence the wearer in wearing something really cool, but also to educate them and bring a bigger meaning to self-expression.
What has been your favorite project so far, and why?
My favorite project was definitely my YMA scholarship project this year. It was complicated and completely exhausting but I feel like I learned so much and was able to develop a big project and beautiful collection that supports Nigeria, and brings representation to people of different races in America.
What are you involved with on campus?
I’m an RA, on the women’s golf team, in FIA, SAAC, Cornerstone, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Emerging Leaders.
What do you like to do outside of school?
I love going thrift shopping and remaking old clothes; I also love driving into the city and exploring new places or just relaxing and listening to music while I drive. Spending time with my family and friends is a really important part of my life.