"Gone," Was my heart's bitter sigh, "Are the sparrows and their songs of golden mirth." "Forgotten, Are the breezes and their soft whispers of longing, bidding one to go and live." "Lift paintbrush to sky, Draw wings to caress your face," Bade He in my ear. "Here to stay," said I mournfully, "Are the wastelands of despair, Valleys overflowing with shattered expectations and broken dreams." "Open mouth and sing A merry tune for torn hearts," Came the soft answer. "Withered are the flowers of hope; No longer do we hearken to waltzes in the distance." "Speak! Speak!" came the shout. "Remind of hymns to be sung, Of castles to build!" "Listen! Listen now! Tune in to my melody! In desolation When you've lost your song And no ray of sun is found, Listen to my voice! Sing, dance, shout, and twirl! Turn your sorrows to music; Child, color your world."

Fashion is a universal language, and no one is immune to its influence. It is this ubiquity, this potential to reach many people that appeals to me about the fashion industry. Fashion can be used to impact lives and has the potential to inspire the inquisitive imagination within all of us. This latter point is why I find Alexander McQueen’s work admirable. His ethereal designs and surreal style always leave the viewer in awe. As an artist, I am always looking for ways to tell peoples’ stories, to be a voice for the voiceless. There is a woeful misconception that fashion is solely concerned with glamour, but it is much more. Fashion allows the creator, through various construction techniques and combinations of colors, to speak on social issues, evoking emotions and eliciting memories. It is the artist’s own voice, used to share the lens through which they observe the world. Moreover, fashion allows the artist to explore the unique perspectives of others, helping to bring their plights and experiences forward. This potential fashion possesses to bring about positive change in human lives is huge. In recent years there have been efforts to mitigate the exploitation of workers and unsustainable practices in the industry. This trend in valuing worker experiences encourages me as I pursue a career in the industry. Furthermore, fashion is unique in that it can completely alter a person’s attitude; it affects how one engages with the world and how they perceive themselves. One of the best moments of the design process, in my opinion, is the moment when a client dons the creation and cannot stop smiling at themselves in the mirror. That is the power of fashion: It can bring confidence to the wearer or completely drain them of it. A designer whose work I believe reflects many of fashion’s admirable attributes is Alexander McQueen. He was a masterful storyteller, talented craftsman, and design rebel. He inspired wonder without words and could transport viewers to another place and time with just the way he crafted clothes. His otherworldly designs inspire the imaginative child within me, stirring up unabashed wonder. I also appreciate his way of using design to speak on issues that mattered to him. His use of unconventional materials and construction techniques was truly commendable and challenges me to approach the design process with an open mind. In summary, I chose to pursue a degree in fashion design because of the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better. Fashion helps one speak without words and make their intentions known without moving their lips. In creative fashion expression, there is no room for boredom. The industry is constantly evolving, utilizing modern technology to create new possibilities. Finally, fashion will be a way for me to show the modern woman that she is beautiful in her natural body. I hope to use my unique voice to bring confidence and joy to people from all backgrounds.