Central Texas College’s “College for Kids” program gave young designers a chance to get a glimpse into the fashion world this summer while learning hands-on sewing skills.
The main goal of the Fashionista Fashion Camp was to teach local children how to express their creativity and confidence through clothing and design.
The week-long class was taught by experienced fashion design instructors Marie-Karen Bravo-Moi and Miriam Schenk, who worked together to develop a unique class that incorporated plenty of hands-on experience.
Bravo Moix typically works as a freelance fashion designer and teaches art and design courses at a university, and during the summer she always tries to fit some fun teaching work into her schedule.
“I started teaching fashion design camps at CTC College for Kids last year,” she said, “and prior to that I taught Fashionista Fashion Camp for kids in Denton in 2019.”
Bravo-Moix’s original program in Denton was so successful that she wanted to continue her learning experience in Killeen after spending more time in the area with her father, a military veteran.
“Since I’ve been spending a lot of time here, I thought it might be fun to see if there was an opportunity at CTC,” she said. “I met Jocelyn and she’s just a great person. We took an idea we had previously received from a Denton fashionista and adapted it to fit perfectly with CTC Kids College.”
The two designers have devised a whole new program that teaches children the science of textiles while also introducing them to the fun of fashion.
“It’s inspiring to see the creativity of the kids,” Bravo-Moix said.
The fashion-packed week includes learning the fundamentals of weaving, hand sewing, how to use a sewing machine, tie-dyeing and surface design techniques. The design process focuses on upcycling clothing, as children can transform old jeans into jacket sleeves or a T-shirt into a ruffled party dress with a tulle train.
Bravo-Moix emphasized the importance of this approach.
“We only have a week, so upcycling old clothes is both practical and fun,” she said.
The grand finale of the camp will be a fashion show where students will display their creations to the public.
“Fashion shows help kids build self-confidence and self-esteem by presenting in public,” Bravo-Moix said. “They’re a great way for kids to showcase their creative designs.”
The course participants shared her same excitement and passion for fashion.
“It’s fun to learn something new every day,” said 10-year-old Soraye Wilkerson, who was working on her unique pants design.
Payton Kelly, 10, who designed a fashionable blouse, also enjoyed the diversity and creative environment of the workshop.
“It’s really fun,” she said.
This program is aimed at ages 10 and up and does not require any prior sewing or fashion knowledge.
“We hope that the children will gain the skills to alter and customize their own unique clothing,” Bravo-Moix said. “Some of the children from last year are still practising their sewing skills at home and creating new designs.”
