Supima Design Competition Winner Jeffrey Taylor Showed His Collection at PFW and NYFW
Every year, Supima hosts a design competition during New York Fashion Week for emerging designers across the nation. Six major design schools are asked to choose one graduating senior to participate in a runway show competition, judged by some of the industry's biggest power players. This year, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) graduate Jeffrey Taylor took the ultimate prize with his breathtaking evening wear collection: a line marked by unique prints and masterful construction. As part of his prize (which included a $10,000 reward), Jeffrey had the opportunity to put his collection on display during Paris Fashion Week — a dream for many a designer. Ahead, read what Jeffrey had to say about hard work, social media and his incredibly bright future. And get your first glimpse at his award-winning designs.
© 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design1/7From a young age, Jeffrey knew design was what he wanted to do. “When I first decided that I wanted to be a designer, I was around the age of 5. I had already been in love with art and music, so illustrating fashion sketches and keeping up with the fashion scene was intriguing and an everyday hobby for me.”
He cites his mother as his biggest inspiration. “My mom always kept up with the latest trends and I vividly remember her bright church clothes. It inspired me. I kept going with my passion, finding my way to SCAD, which has led to all of this,” he muses.
© 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design2/7“I was speechless,” Jeffrey says of the moment he learned he'd won the competition, and would realize his dream of showing in Paris. “I didn't have much to say. I knew that I would have to produce a collection that would not only be appealing to the American audience but also to the European audience. That then motivated me to continue to push until the end.”
© 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design3/7It can be hard to stay focused on your goals in college, where distractions abound. Jeffrey, though, was determined to make the most of his school's breadth of resources. “The one thing that I did to get the most out of my time in college was taking advantage of the resources that my school offered. It was a dream come true to be accepted to one of the top-ranked fashion programs in the world, and to receive a scholarship to go.”
Jeffrey was often the first to sign up for opportunities to perfect his craft, "whether it was the unbelievable archives of late fashion pieces, the amazing collaborations with other majors, or one-on-one time with the professors on how to better my skills," he says. "I wanted to take full advantage of everything SCAD had to offer before I graduated. So, I took in all that was offered and used it to best of my ability.”
© 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design4/7Jeffrey's collection was inspired by "a group of beautiful Tibetan women passing by in a train station during a trip to New York," he says. "After researching, I found out that their colorful attire symbolized their womanhood; it was breathtaking." He coupled that reference with traditional '50s shapes. "I wanted to focus on mixing the idea of a classic silhouette with the beautiful flowers that are seen throughout the attire of the Tibetan woman. Each flower and color conveyed meaning."
© 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design5/7He cites social media as a tool for gaining exposure for his growing brand. "I use social media professionally and it's helped me out a lot," Jeffrey explains. "Just the idea of posting a picture on Instagram has given me endless opportunities and opened so many doors for me because anyone can view it."
© 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design6/7By showing in New York and Paris, Jeffrey already realized a goal most designers only dream of. But let him tell it, he's only getting started. "Once all of this is done, I would love to work with some of the designers I’ve met through SCAD or this competition. I will also continue doing research for my next collection and developing who I am as a designer even more."
Though Jeffrey's "excited to start the next chapter and create new memories," he'll always treasure the season where he showed in Paris for the very first time. "The Supima Design Competition was an experience that I will never forget," he says.
7/7Want more Teen Vogue? Like us on Facebook to stay in the know!
