An interview with fashion designer, Hopkins student Michael Van Maele
AJB: And when do you find the time to make all the clothes??
MV: It's all about summer and intersession! Also, during spring break, I moved in with my friend who lives on St. Paul to work on some clothes. I don't plan on sacrificing many more of those breaks, however. It is a very time-consuming process and less so the more planning you put into it, so I don't anticipate spending 10 hours a day on an outfit anymore, as had to be done with this most recent collection.
AJB: What were your favorite collections from the Spring runway last month?
MV: I am ever the loyal Versace fan. I am keeping my eye on Blumarine for trends, which I think will show up on college campuses. Burberry has never let me down yet. When I watch a fashion show, I am almost always most affected by the overall presentation rather than individual pieces. Versace is a master of putting on a show with music, lights and staging. That is what really draws me to a brand.
AJB: What would you say was your inspiration for this collection?
MV: I am inspired by simplicity and recurring lines. I try to see what women wear when they feel best about themselves, and I toss in luxury elements that I'm drawn to such as rare colors, textures, intricate necklines and creative pleating. For this collection specificially, I wanted to make an evening scene that could be accessed by all women who have events to go to at night, no matter who they are. There were many strapless pieces and flared skirts since I feel that is a common denominator for evening chic for many women. It was all about finding the time and place for the fashion and going from there.
AJB: Did you have a favorite piece from the collection?
MV: Yes! I love the blue dress that Millie wore. I hope it is well-loved in its new home.
AJB: And can you see Hopkins girls wearing your dresses? Who would be your dream woman to design for?
MV: I would love to see the girls here wearing my clothes. The dresses from the collection were created with them in mind as my audience. My dream woman to design for is Anne Hathaway. I can't imagine a more beautiful woman. She is unreal!
MV: It's all about summer and intersession! Also, during spring break, I moved in with my friend who lives on St. Paul to work on some clothes. I don't plan on sacrificing many more of those breaks, however. It is a very time-consuming process and less so the more planning you put into it, so I don't anticipate spending 10 hours a day on an outfit anymore, as had to be done with this most recent collection.
AJB: What were your favorite collections from the Spring runway last month?
MV: I am ever the loyal Versace fan. I am keeping my eye on Blumarine for trends, which I think will show up on college campuses. Burberry has never let me down yet. When I watch a fashion show, I am almost always most affected by the overall presentation rather than individual pieces. Versace is a master of putting on a show with music, lights and staging. That is what really draws me to a brand.
AJB: What would you say was your inspiration for this collection?
MV: I am inspired by simplicity and recurring lines. I try to see what women wear when they feel best about themselves, and I toss in luxury elements that I'm drawn to such as rare colors, textures, intricate necklines and creative pleating. For this collection specificially, I wanted to make an evening scene that could be accessed by all women who have events to go to at night, no matter who they are. There were many strapless pieces and flared skirts since I feel that is a common denominator for evening chic for many women. It was all about finding the time and place for the fashion and going from there.
AJB: Did you have a favorite piece from the collection?
MV: Yes! I love the blue dress that Millie wore. I hope it is well-loved in its new home.
AJB: And can you see Hopkins girls wearing your dresses? Who would be your dream woman to design for?
MV: I would love to see the girls here wearing my clothes. The dresses from the collection were created with them in mind as my audience. My dream woman to design for is Anne Hathaway. I can't imagine a more beautiful woman. She is unreal!
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