Hope Coleman
“I had an interest in fashion but not design,” said sophomore Hope Coleman when asked about her choice to be an Apparel Design and Product Development major. Her first love of styling, then later realization of skill and talent for the technical side of fashion, are what make this week’s SHRN one to keep an eye on. Coleman sat down with us at her sewing lab to walk us through her journey from being a style admirer in Pittsburg, Kansas to a designer at Baylor University.
When did you first start to show interest in design?
I actually signed up for [the] fashion major as a joke. I was originally business, but me and my high school counselor were looking at my schedule, and I [said] I was going to change it to fashion design because it was kind of funny and rude and would change all of her planning. But then I [thought], ‘I actually might like that. I really like to paint wrinkles in fabric so maybe I would like fabric itself.’
What inspires your style?
The girly girl thrifting movement; everyone is buying these girly things from thrift stores and getting things that are vintage. Also, neutrals are so big right now, and I feel like that’s been a huge influence - especially recently because the neutrals are just kind of timeless.
Is your design style influenced by your personal style and vice versa?
Usually, I design for my own style, but sometimes I like to do super eccentric things that are not for my own style - more for showing off my sewing abilities.
What article of clothing makes you feel the most confident?
My leather pair of Urban Outfitters pants.
What is your opinion on traditional fashion rules?
Certain rules I'm for: don’t wear shorts in winter and don't mix seasons. Other than that, I don't think there should be fashion rules because it’s just an expression of your character.
Do you have any style icons?
Do you have any style icons?
Kristin Johns, Quigley Goode, and Zendaya.
What are the current fashion trends catching your eye?
I love monochrome - that’s a huge thing right now. I love the mixing of patterns; I feel like that’s going to get even bigger in spring.
What is your favorite article of clothing to design and execute?
I really like making button-down preppy shirts or jackets. I like doing the button details and the collars.
Where do you see women’s fashion moving in the next 5 years?
I feel like it’s going to become even more genderless, and it’s going to be fluid and straight cut.
You get a call from Anna Wintour inviting you to the MET, which designer do you choose to collaborate with?
Brandon Maxwell because he’s Lady Gaga’s designer, and I would say my event style would be very similar to hers.
What she’s wearing...
Head piece: handmade
Earrings: handmade
Turtleneck: Amazon
Necklaces: Target
Skirt: handmade
Pearl tank: handmade
Shoes: Free People
Shop her pieces:
@hope_coleman_designs
Instagram: @giving_hope_daily
Written by: Tatum Hanson
Photos by: Claire Boston
Edited by: Josie Gruber