TOP DESIGN COMPETITION WINNER 2019
Not all fashion designers get their start by studying the intricate details of textiles and apparel design in college or by spending years sewing, draping and working as a fashion apprentice in NYC or Los Angeles.
Such was the case for Brianna Thomas, a 21-year-old college student studying marketing at Dillard University who wears a double crown as NOFW9 Top Design Winner and the coveted crown of Miss Dillard University 2019.
Although she chose to pursue marketing in college, she maintained her love for fashion and art; and decided to combine these two passions together by trying her hand at fashion designing.
However, art and design is nothing new to Brianna.
She’s had creative ambition since childhood and remembers wanting to be a fashion designer since the age of nine, but didn’t know if it was a viable career option.
“I love art, drawing and painting. I’m really into anything creative. It’s very natural for me to have an idea or vision and intuitively start creating something. It was because of this that I was drawn to the idea of incorporating my art into fashion.”
— Brianna Thomas
What started as a hobby has fueled her entrepreneurial spirit and her desire for designing fashion.
It was upon her signing up to be a member of Canal Place Style Board where the opportunity presented itself for Brianna to design a garment in celebration of New Orleans’ tricentennial birthday.
Tracee Dundas, NOFW’s Creative Director and a Style Board mentor recognized the potential in Brianna’s design and encouraged her to apply for NOFW9’s Top Design Competition which landed her another crown, as New Orleans Fashion Week’s Top Design Winner 2019.
Her winning collection was inspired by her longtime desire to wear her canvases, as such she began experimenting with painting on different textiles and clothing items.
Building from this she incorporated her love and appreciation for nature and color, adding embellishments for dimension and interest to her garment.
“It’s amazing how many beautiful things God has created in nature for us to enjoy, so I try to mimic that in the bright colors and flowing silhouettes of my designs. I want people to feel confident, exquisite, and unique. I like being the stand out version of what’s on trend.”
— Brianna Thomas
Her winning prize package included a Microsoft Surface Pro, Project Runway Brother’s Sewing Machine provided by Allbrands.com, a ninety-day in-store placement and trunk show of her fashion collection at Wear NOLA, a professional photo shoot with photographer Eduardo Benitez and a Feature Designer Runway Show and Luxe Market Popup at New Orleans Fashion Week 2020.
