THREADS Designer Spotlight: Natalie Araujo

Apparel merchandising and design senior, Natalie Araujo is avidly working on her THREADS collection in an, “Empire State of Mind.”

Her line is based around the idea of a Manhattan garden party during a hot summer’s day on a rooftop.

“I just sort of had this vision in my head and it fit best with the spring/summer portion of the show,” Araujo said. “I wanted to use more flowy fabrics.

Araujo has a plethora of big name designers that she gains inspiration from, two that were on the top of her mind: Michael Kors, and Jason Wu. Both of these designers have a simple classic design aesthetic, much like the designs Araujo will be sending down the runway for THREADS.

The line is composed of four different looks incorporating classic garments: dresses, a blazer, wide leg pants and more.

“I’m using a mixture of both draping and patterning,” Araujo said.  “I have patterned two pieces myself and I’m just seeing how it goes. I don’t really use store patterns, I like to use a mix of both.”

Mixing work and play, Araujo completes a majority of her designs on campus in the Wightman sewing lab, where she additionally works. The large tables enable her to spread her patterns out and have more space.

Time is also very crucial while balancing school and designing. Long lab hours allow continuous work without constant starting and stopping.

It’s important as a designer to be able to show your work to future employers. THREADS is a great opportunity for design students to show their work and test their skills.

She is no different than any of the other designers looking to gain design confidence from the show.

“Getting past thinking that initial I can’t do something or that I don’t know how to do something,” Araujo said. “Once you get past that first fear of doubting your skills, designing becomes easier.”

Araujo has no particular expectations for the show. This is her first year designing and she is simply hoping for the best, and for her hard work to show in the end.