Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Lee Arieli.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Laura Lee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I was young, I always had a love and appreciation for art and design. My parents however, felt that I should pursue a different path which was to go into pre-medicine. Like most parents they were concerned about my future and stated I need a degree in a “real field” and establish a real career before pursuing my art/fashion degree. I would study long hours to achieve good grades and would always feel miserable. It was then at the age of 18, I decided to move out of my parents house and pursue my own career in art and fashion.
I was accepted into the the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a school ranking #4 in the US and #45Th globally. I chose to focus in fashion design, a program that is extremely competitive to get into.
Today, I am continuing my studies and working in the service industry to support myself. I have done numerous internships to strengthen my skills and have worked part-time at a local dress store helping out with tailoring and alterations. I have also helped construct and design clothing for a small business creating eco friendly kids clothing, whom recently just moved to California. My work has also been displayed publicly at many small local events and at the Spertus Institute on Michigan Ave.
In the future, I plan to look into the production side of fashion, and hopefully, be able to produce on a wider scale.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For me it has not always been a smooth and easy road, and is a continuous uphill battle, both mentally and financially. Going to school and living in the real world can be two different concepts. Being self sufficient at 18 has shown me both sides. I had to establish great time and money management in order to balance everything out.
The fashion world is extremely competitive and you need to work really hard to be successful. The main struggle in an art world is the self-limiting belief that you “can’t do something” or that “your’e not good enough”. You will get that a lot in this industry. I have had many people (even teachers) who did not like my designs or art and yet someone else loved it and purchased it from me. If you stay true and believe in what you are doing, you can accomplish anything.
It is very important that you truly sit down and think about who you are as a designer, who you want to cater to, what inspires you, your style, and what your goal is. If you don’t, you will get lost, and pulled into many directions. You also should continue to push yourself to become better every day, especially if it’s uncomfortable. Even if your’e super busy with life, just 10 minutes a day spent on research on your interest can change you. Keep your mind open to new ideas, techniques, and styles. Also, surround yourself with creative minded individuals and create a community where you can bounce off ideas.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
The work I am concentrating in is fashion construction and design. I pride myself in designs that are pushing the boundaries of what is wearable but still can be considered works of art.
I love incorporating my hobbies or personal feelings into my designs. For example, going to music festivals and riding motorcycles were a huge inspiration for my past collections. I would focus on the aspects of being free or the feeling of connection to others and incorporate them into my designs. For my most recent collection, my battle with anxiety has played a big part in how the garments were constructed and designed, such as designing a jacket hood that goes well over your eyes- not very practical but makes you feel very safe from others looking at you.
A lot of people are interested in watching what other designers are doing and producing similar ones. To me, that isn’t important. I believe ideas aren’t created by watching other designers, but from your own personal history, cure, and personal lives. That’s how you create something that’s unique and different. No one will be able to recreate a design that has as much feeling and history as your own.
Many people are also interested in seeking others approval. Yes, it would be nice if people like it, but then your risk of making a design that’s very, ordinary. When instead, you can create something extraordinary.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel like women can be well positioned for any opportunity, especially in the fashion world. Currently, the fashion world is still ruled mostly by men, which I found interesting because no one should know what looks and works best for a woman than a woman herself. I find this as a great opportunity for women to rise in this field.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://laurarieli.com
- Phone: 773-617-3388
- Email: larieli065@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deamsters/
Image Credit:
Lawrence Lau, Mario Balderas
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