MIYA MICHAELS

My name is Miya Michaels. I am an African American fashion designer from Huntsville, Alabama. At the early age of eight, I started to show interest in fashion. I remember viewing magazines and tv shows like America's Next Top Model. Although the show was based on models, I appreciated the guest designers and fashion. The industry motivated me to start a fashion brand. To further my passion, I decided to pursue a fashion degree. Despite minor setbacks, I was able to continue to build my brand while attending college. To elevate my craft, I practice sewing techniques in my free time. Also, I enjoyed sketching to share my creativity. While attending college, I showcased my designs in five fashion events. Recently, I participated in The University of Alabama's " Fashion for Life" Fashion show. Although each event intrigued me, I experience the most out of this show. In 2020, I earned my bachelor's degree in fashion design from the University of Alabama. Also, studying as a fashion major benefited in excelling my knowledge of fashion history and culture. I have learned about various fashion eras such as the bustle period, the early 1900s, and the 1960s space race. My favorite eras are the 1950s and 1970s. For the 1950s, the silhouette of the dresses interests me. I admire the modest yet sultry look of the garments. To add, the 1970s have a combination of fitted and flowy silhouettes like bell bottoms paired with a flowy flounce blouse. To me, I believe the 70s is one of the most influential fashion periods of all time. Briefly, the 70s had an impact on 2021 fashion. Tinted glasses, platform shoes, and fitted flared pants are a part of today's trends. In addition, the 50s and 70s influenced my aesthetic.
Describe my aesthetic, it is bold, urban, and classic. Fashion is a form of self-expression. To me, fashion is everything. I show admiration for two designers: Betsey Johnson and Stephen burrows. Betsey Johnson’s style is bold which delicately symbolizes quirkiness. On the other hand, Stephen burrows show his designs as a work of art. Both designers are attentive and prominent in the fashion industry. The designers inspire me to accelerate my taste in fashion. I benefit from sharing my love of innovation and diversity. As a designer, I am not afraid to try new things. I deeply appreciate art in different forms, music, paintings, sketches, and sculptures. Art is a way to value the form of movement. I am fond of coming up with new ideas. Innovation is important as well as diversity. My dream is to share designers, models, and artists based on talent. Being diverse is more than what is shown on the exterior. As an African- American designer, I will utilize my platform to exemplify creativity with inclusion. According to Alan Joyce, "We have a very diverse environment and a very inclusive culture, and those characteristics got us through the tough times. Diversity generated a better strategy, better risk management, better debates, and better outcomes. This shows that it is possible to work together and open doors for everyone. No one should feel left out. Fashion is for everyone.
In summary, fashion affects my lifestyle. Fashion broadens my mindset in innovation, inclusion, and experience. Thinking divergently and gaining experience helped me to be proficient. Which is an advantage, but I plan to become intuitive in my work. In conclusion, this interests my love and approach towards fashion.