THREADS Designer Spotlight: Justine Young

First year designer Justine Young is kickin’ it old school with her 40s inspired collection.

As an apparel merchandising and design junior, Young plans to use her last two years improving and showing off her design skills, as well as using THREADS as an opportunity to build her portfolio.

Having a love for the class and glamour that resort wear offers left no question in Young’s mind about which section of the THREADS fashion show she should design for.

“My inspiration came from the 40s,” Young said. “I love very vintage and classy style attire. I also have a big love for nautical wear, so I infused the two into my resort wear collection.”

Young is a designer who sees a fabric that she likes and will make a design off of it, instead of making a design and then searching for the fabric.

Young’s line is composed of five different looks. The first look is a bathing suit that has a very vintage appeal.

Her second is a day look, and the last three are a set of dresses: a summer dress, a maxi dress and an evening gown. The construction process is mostly being completed in the Wightman sewing lab, where Young says she has much more concentration, as well as reliable equipment.

All of these looks required several tedious construction techniques.

“I mostly used patterning for all of my outfits,” Young said. “I bought one short pattern and then altered it. I have never had the draping class but I’m going to attempt pleating on my gown.”

The materials Young is using to create her line vary as much as her construction techniques. The fabrics the line is comprised of are silky solids, lace, lace trims, suede, textured cotton blends, chiffon and a striped knit.

Her colors are basic cream, navy, white and champagne pink. Materials were mostly purchased at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft, 4208 E Bluegrass Road, and Haberman’s, located in Royal Oak.

Having the ability to purchase fabric locally saved Young time and money. The line additionally features actual vintage pieces used for garment detailing, but still keeping the designs clean and basic, which is aligned with her favorite designers as well.

“My favorite designers are Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs,” Young said. “I like their clean classic design aesthetic, and I even drew inspiration from American Apparel. I feel clothing should enhance people, not overtake them.”

Young is working hard to implement her initial design concepts into actual garments. Not only utilizing the sewing lab, but additionally using free time outside of the lab to hand sew the smaller details.

THREADS is fast approaching, and Young is hoping not only that the audience will enjoy her collection, but that she will be able to enjoy the show stress-free.