For Ella McBride, a Senior in CSU's Design and Merchandising program, personal style is a celebration of individuality and creativity. Her journey into self-expression through fashion began at only eight years old.
"All I wanted in this whole world was a pair of overalls," McBride recalls. After diligently saving for an entire year, she finally acquired them, marking the beginning of her style journey.
During her time at CSU, McBride's passion has evolved from merely designing to also crafting the very fabrics she utilizes. In a specialized fabric design class, she studied the art of creating custom prints and patterns by hand, which were then transferred onto fabric for her projects. From the initial threads to the final product, McBride's influence permeates every stage of her work.
Among her preferred materials are patterned and printed fabrics. Designing whimsical, child-like patterns has been a highlight of her education, leading her to envision a senior capstone project that integrates her love for children's literature with fashion. Her plan is to develop a clothing line inspired by children's books.
"I think it came from my mom, who’s an elementary school teacher," McBride reflects. "I had a lot of exposure to [children's books] when I was little. Just piles and piles of books."
As her senior year approaches, McBride contemplates her future career. She is drawn to the realms of children's apparel, fabric design, and costume creation, seeking to craft garments that are both playful and comfortable. Wherever her path may lead, McBride carries the inspiration drawn from her younger self, using it as a driving force to create designs that fully embody her self-expression.