Sarah
Blanke

My creative journey was born of the realization that potential exists in all things for the eye that is willing to look for it.  Although my interests were many while growing up, art always captivated me.  The practice of sewing and clothing construction was a commonplace in my childhood home, thus I don’t entirely remember learning to sew.  I suppose you can say that the principals involved in construction came naturally to me, and I decided to study fashion design for multiple reasons.

 Perhaps the element of garment design that appeals to me the most is the idea of bringing beauty and purpose out of mere scraps of fabric, deemed worthless or mundane to many.  Through these fibers I have been able to share pieces of myself, the world around me, and the opportunity to learn from it.  In past garments, I’ve included many unconventional materials, utilizing processes such as paper recycling and pottery making to convey ideas and methods.  Through everything I create, I aim to capture aesthetic qualities while adding purpose beyond what is seen on the surface. Through intentional research, techniques, and materials, I have been able to communicate various aspects of art and the power that it holds.

My goal as a designer is to create a garment design label that paves an avenue for beauty in both product and mission.  I have begun this journey by earning degrees in fashion design and business entrepreneurship, recently graduating this December 2019. Every piece produced by this proposed company will be through a thoughtful and responsible process, utilizing an ethical supply chain and materials.  The garments (mainly dresses) will be well-crafted and timeless, encouraging a slower fashion cycle and reducing overconsumption and textile waste. As design has been a source of light and hope for me, I hope to lend this to others by donating a portion of profits to deserving humanitarian organizations, building partnerships and awareness for their designated missions. 

I share this dream because it has become a part of who I am as a designer. Everything I have created thus far has brought joy to my life, and I realized long ago that design allows one to see through a lens of possibility rather than oppression.  As a curator of art and a student of diverse subjects, I’ve learned the value that hard work and perseverance add to vision.  Having built such foundation, I am optimistic and excited to explore new creative ventures and opportunities ahead.