Taunton's Threads - For people who love to sew
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An Online Extra to Threads magazine Spotlight on Alex Sudalnik The inspirations and aspirations of a young designer
How long have you been sewing? I 've been sewing since I was about 13 years old and took a beginner's class at Montavilla Sewing Center in Beaverton, Oregon, with instructor Nancy Bishop. I made a Hawaiian shirt. When did you first know you wanted to be in fashion? Well, I've been designing for a long time. The first thing I drew was an old colonial shoe when I was three, and there hasn't been anything else that I've wanted to do since. What was the impetus for your Inspired by Threads award-winning design? This was actually my second-semester term garment at FIT. I really liked the vintage kimonos I saw on the back of Threads [issue #124] and used them as my inspiration. I liked this design because of the fullness at the top and bottom and because it incorporated different fabrics. The combination and contrast of fabrics is lovely. What was the process that went into your fabric selection? For the assignment, we had a basic color story to follow. Originally, I planned to go with red and black. But when I went shopping, I decided those colors were just too scary, so I went with something muted. I found a brocade that I really liked, but the right side was too bright, so I used the back as the face. I found the taffeta and the duchess satin next. I just wanted something really luxurious. Who do you imagine wearing it? The customer I designed for is probably someone who's creative, a little edgy and hip, but still classic. Which designers influence you most? Prada, Balenciaga, and Lanvin are my favorites. They all design amazing pieces that look edgy and modern and are detailed with interesting construction and seaming, which makes them fascinating to look at up close in stores. Do you advise people to go and look in the stores? Oh yeah! My design teacher says that you should go and look in the stores every week. Everyone wants to be unique, but you have to know what the competition is doing and where the trends are going. You'll see different techniques and new ways of construction. You can feel the fabric, look at the grain, get a better idea of how something fits, see where the seams are, etc. You can't get that from photos. What are you working on now? Well, in draping class, we're designing garments inspired by London, and in pattern making, we have to do something inspired by the film The Fifth Element. I'm doing a stylized gusset and very pointy shawl collar for a villain. In another class, my theme is "coal miners," so I'm coming up with some very industrial designs. It's a very wide range, which keeps things interesting. Do you do any sewing for yourself outside of school? I don't have any time during the school year, but during the summer, I like to quilt. That's how I really got into sewing. After I took that shirt class, I signed up for a quilting class. It was a great way to learn the basics -- to match up seams, do piecework, and learn the importance of accurate cutting. I love the geometry of it. What are your goals in fashion? In school, I'm specializing in design concepts, and I will be studying in Milan next fall. Then, I'd really like to get a job in designer sportswear; I'd love to be a head designer. I've also been thinking that it would be really cool to someday teach at FIT or maybe even to start my own school.
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