Photography by Diane Harvey
Name: Roy Blake Smith, Senior
Hometown: Hull, Georgia
Internship: Design assistant to Mila Hermanovski
Mentor: Maggie Norris Couture for SCAD Fashion 2012
I am inspired by art, spirituality, stark contrasts, Gothicism and melancholy.
My favorite style decade has yet to be born. Fashion tends to be too referential of the past. I want to look forward and focus on what is to come.
I never leave home without my portfolio. You never know when you might meet a future employer.
The designer I most admire is Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. His collections are so fresh and modern while maintaining beautiful couture qualities. Lee McQueen and Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and Olivier Theyskens are other designers who inspire me daily.
The best advice I ever received came from my mother, who told me, “When things get tough, do what you can and leave the rest to God.” This has been my motto while working on my collection!
Tell us about your collection.
This collection is inspired by the idea of the angelic warriors of the apocalypse. I wanted to focus on the concept and the mood of the collection and really pay close attention to the details that make the garments special.
The six looks I created are rather ethereal with dark undertones. I incorporated interesting details, such as texture through hand-frayed seams, feathered organza and needlepoint felting; ombre dye techniques to represent the dirt and blood of battle; and created movement with light-weight silks and diagonal seaming.
What’s next?
After relocating to New York in June, I will begin a new chapter in my life, working for the Kohl’s design team. After spending time in the city, I aspire to move to Paris or London for a while to gain knowledge of higher-end companies and the European way of fashion. When I feel the time is right, I will launch my own brand in Europe and the U.S., where I will create wearable art forms for the masses. I plan to help breathe life back into the fashion industry, one piece at a time.
