A rising star in the local fashion community, Courtney Leonard was recently profiled in the Vanguard Arts & Culture section. We got a moment to sit with Courtney after her interview to talk about the latest trends and see what advice she had to give for other student designers.
Student style spotlight: Courtney Leonard
Name: Courtney Leonard
Age: 26
Profession: Fashion Designer
Location: Portland, OR
School: Senior, Art Institute
Website: http://www.midgeusa.com/
A rising star in the local fashion community, Courtney Leonard was recently profiled in the Vanguard Arts & Culture section. We got a moment to sit with Courtney after her interview to talk about the latest trends and see what advice she had to give for other student designers.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the fashion industry?
Modeling is a great introduction to clothes and the fashion world. I would warn people about having unrealistic expectations about what the job really is though. Today, the job of the supermodel [e.g. Linda Evangelista, etc.] is over and really you are the blank canvas which the designer makes over. You travel a lot and you don’t really get to have a life. It is a big commitment, but it can be a fun way to make money while you are trying to get an education.
What tips would you offer young designers?
I’d say you really got to do your research when you talk about contemporary design. You have to think holistically because designs are like brands. There is so much to be concerned about socially. It is important to focus on the audience and focus on what it takes to make that someone look good. It’s really about the people you are dressing.
Other bits of wisdom?
“For anyone who wants to be a fashion designer you have to go into retail and get that understanding of what the end experience is. Learn about the customer.”
What has been the toughest challenge you faced as a woman in the design industry?
It is definitely a male dominated field. You have to have confidence and conviction to be successful and you need others to see that in you too. Working with Micheal Kors and other people selling fabrics and other things, really in the trenches, gave me the opportunity to build confidence. There is also a lot of bad behavior in the fashion world. I would say, do the best you can in every situation to represent yourself. Develop boundaries about who you are going to work with just like with design. The best word you can know is “No.” It helps to be good at thinking on your feet and knowing how to segue out of a bad situation, but still be able to network and make that connection.
What would you say are top trends for this year?
I have definitely noticed a lot of blues and purples and deep colors. I think we will see a lot of fun pearls and leather, vintage jackets. I just bought a vintage leopard jacket.
