From Sketch to Reality: My First Designs as a Student

When I was in school, we didn’t have the technology available today. When we presented our projects, we used PowerPoint, so I used to scan my sketches and upload them to the computer, refining them digitally. My original sketches remain in Sweden, but thankfully, I managed to keep some on my hard drive. Even with limited technology, the essence of design remained the same—starting with an idea and bringing it to life.

My first bag wasn’t a complicated design, so my focus was on selecting a bold and vibrant material. My inspiration was the sky during lightning—its dramatic contrast and electric energy. My inspiration images looked similar to the one below, capturing the intensity and vibrancy.

Photo by Haider Tahir from www.pexels.com

I felt like this striking purple mock-crock leather was perfect for what I was looking for. Purple has always been one of my favorite colors, and this texture added the boldness I wanted. I even had a pair of old shoes that I remade using the same leather, creating a matching set.

Fact: Italy has some of the best leathers, and I remember getting inspired just by exploring different types. There’s something about discovering various textures, prints, and colors that sparks creativity.

Fusion Designs: The Concept Behind My Thesis

Coming from a mixed background, I naturally gravitate toward fusion.

In school, we studied art, fashion history, and different styles, and I was especially drawn to how music influences fashion trends. I loved exploring the connection between music and style.

For my thesis project, I aimed for an aesthetic that was both edgy and chic. The song Walk This Way by Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. caught my attention, inspiring me to fuse 80s-90s punk, rock, and hip-hop street style to make an edgy and chic collection.

One of my selections was a white leather with small perforations, reflecting a street-style influence inspired by sneaker design—particularly white soles. This fusion of textures, along with details like chains, spikes, and layered slashes in the leather, allowed me to blend rock attitude with urban energy.

A Showcase of Selected Designs from My Thesis

The End

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My next blog will be about participating in the Fashion National Competition for professional young designers in Italy.

(XVIl Concorso Nazionale Professione Moda Giovani Stilisti,

Riccione Moda Italia. CNA FEDERMODA)

Never would I have guessed that my future husband had danced on stage with Aerosmith at the MTV Music Awards during Walk This Way performance—long before we met. And he wore a fusion style—a sarong with sneakers and his high school football jersey.

You can spot him at the 4-minute mark in the video.