Captured by Crystal Navellier, @crystalnavellier on IG. Follow Eliza at @elesser on IG.
Written by Christie Raymond
Eliza is a junior in the College of Human Ecology majoring in Fiber Science and Apparel Design. This is her third year participating in the Cornell Fashion Collective annual fashion show. She says, “Something about fashion that I’ve always been fascinated with is its capacity to understand the zeitgeist of what is going on in the world and portray it in a way that captivates people.” As a level 3 designer in the club, she looks forward to showcasing her very own collection for the first time on March 9th 2019.
Captured by Crystal Navellier, @crystalnavellier on IG. Follow Eliza at @elesser on IG.
Eliza was born and raised in Manhattan and is incredibly inspired by the place that she grew up and the urban lifestyle that New York City represents. She speaks specifically to her collection when she says, “Much of modern industrial architecture combines functionality and visual appeal. My collection is influenced by these architectural themes that marry urbanism with unique design to promote utility. By emphasizing exposed elements of structure, the pieces mirror industrial methods, means, and materials in construction. The ethos used in the construction of modern industrial architecture is applied to the design of this urban, streetwear inspired collection.”
“All I’ve ever wanted to do was find an outlet for my own statement, my own aesthetic, and my own perspective… it’s my turn, and I’m excited.”
Eliza has been experimenting with various stylistic techniques including implementing elevated hardware into her designs as a way of “remixing the expected.” Through this experimentation, she has found a particular interest in denim and feels that this is a fabric that she personally identifies with. Alongside her strong interest in youth cultures from the past and present, Eliza is fascinated by the evolution of the denim fabric and its significance in women’s empowerment. What started as a fabric invented by Levi Strauss in 1873 for the average working man has become the symbol of streetwear as we know it today. Eliza says that denim exemplifies the spirit of our youth and is an outlet for individual expression.
Captured by Crystal Navellier, @crystalnavellier on IG. Follow Eliza at @elesser on IG.
Eliza plans to use denim as a focal point for this urban inspired collection. She says, “What differentiates us from other generations is that we’re so fascinated with individuality, so I really want to create a collection that offers someone the palette to feel confident in their individuality.”
Eliza is incredibly grateful for the Cornell Fashion Collective and the platform that it gives her to showcase her work. She says that it is truly inspiring to be working alongside designers that have such unique and creative minds. For the upcoming show she is really looking forward to discovering her own aesthetic identity and creating a collection that represents who she is as a designer.
Written by Christie Raymond, @christieraymond13 on IG