My Interview with Designer Kiana Scruggs

Being in fashion is amazing, there are so many parts to the industry, from magazines, to brands, styling, retail, business, and photography. It's a creative field to be in, it's lively, and exciting. Especially for one designer who has dreams to move forward. Kiana Scruggs, a fashion designer from Ohio who's aspirations are big and eventful. I was lucky to have caught an email interview with her.

 

FCT: You are a fashion designer from Ohio, where did you study design?

KS: I graduated from Kent State University in Kent Ohio


FCT: While in design school, did you work or internship for any brands? Who? And how was your experience?

KS: Yes, I did get a chance to. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to New York to study at the Kent NYC studio. I interned for Tracy Reese. Honestly when I first got hired on as an intern I thought the experience was going to be like the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, but it was the complete opposite. I learned a lot about the industry and myself.

FCT: Fashion has came a long way throughout the ages of time, what do you think is the biggest accomplishment for the industry?

 KS: I think the biggest accomplishment for the industry is the fact that it can recycle styles while still being innovative.

FCT: And how does it effect today's society?

KS: It allows different generations to connect. For instance that fact that the flare Jean is coming back into style.

FCT: What is your favorite trend at the moment?

KS: I'd say all the chunky sweaters and sleepless turtle and cowl neck sweaters 

FCT: Who are your five influential designers that inspire you as a person and a designer?

KS: I would say Tracy Reese, Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Alice and Olivia, and Acne Studios. 


FCT: Do they influence your work? And how?

KS: Yes, they all hold qualities of my aesthetics. Strong/ feminine silhouette, great print development, fabrications that are well thought out, proportion play. 

FCT: How do you want to portray your designs in the industry? Where do you want to be? couture? ready to Wear? Independent boutique? What are your aspirations as a designer?

KS: That's a good question. I want to portray my self through a brand. I want to be a ready to wear designer in the fashion industry working in print development and accessories. I want to work on creating my own textiles and knits through knitting, dying and manipulation of fabrics. I'd say my biggest aspiration would be to be doing something everyday that I love.

FCT: Where do you see yourself in five years as a designer? Will you move to New York, LA, or any other fashion capital of the world?

KS: I see myself moving to NYC working for a major fashion label/ house designing and developing prints, knits and textiles.

FCT: Describe who Kiana Scruggs is? Who are you as a designer? And what makes you unique?

KS: I like for my designs to be functional yet have a shock value whether is be the silhouette, color contrast or the print it's self. I like to play with hard and soft masculine and feminine. The way I translate my idea to inspiration and finally into conception is how I feel I'm unique. 

FCT: Lastly, do you have any words to aspiring designers on how to aim for your goal, and to get where you want to be?

KS: Just to set goals and work hard to achieve them, to find a good support system, and to believe in yourself because if you don't no one will.