Student

Student Isabelle Leong Participates in Fibershed Zero Waste Design Challenge

Congratulations to Isabelle Leong, one of four students selected to participate in the Fibershed Zero Waste Design Challenge this year. The Fashion Design student created a bolero jacket and a tank top from the 3.5 yards of Fibershed Certified Climate Beneficial™ wool fabric award, adhering to parameters of zero fallout design and longevity of use. Her love of flowers influences many of her designs, and in her bolero she fashioned the ruffles to resemble a celosia cristata flower. In fact, she has a pressed flower greeting card business on Etsy called Lazy Hoya. Isabelle is continuing with her Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Technical Design at FIDM this fall. We caught up with her to learn more about her creative journey.

Tell us about the Fibershed Design Challenge: The Fibershed Design Challenge is a challenge where contestants create aesthetic, functional designs which utilize 95% or more of the fabric. I created a bolero jacket and tank top that used almost all of the climate beneficial wool that I was awarded. I used the fabric scraps to add embellishments and add flair to my designs.

What is something you learned by participating in the Fibershed Design Challenge? The Fibershed Design Challenge has taught me an important lesson about sustainability and not being wasteful when creating. I was extremely proud of myself when I came up with the idea of utilizing my fabric scraps to add gathered ruffles and a removable fabric flower as a brooch in order to add surface interest. I have always loved all types of flowers and they influence many of my designs. The ruffles on the bolero jacket seams are supposed to resemble a celosia cristata flower.

Why FIDM and how did you choose your major? When I was 8 years old, I began attending the Camp Fashionista summer program led by Dori Gladdan, a FIDM alumna and an amazing teacher. She introduced me to FIDM and gave me a pamphlet that I kept with me for years. I had so much fun in her camp! At the end of the week, there was a fashion show featuring everyone’s designs. This was my first experience sewing and participating in a fashion show. I knew then what I wanted to do when I grew up and what school I wanted to attend for college.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? I would like to work for a high end fashion company as a fashion designer. I also would like to have my own ecommerce business for the clothing I design. I already have a pressed flower greeting card and sock business on Etsy called Lazy Hoya.

Anything else you'd like to share? I am so grateful to all my teachers and advisors at FIDM who have given me so much support throughout my journey.