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What makes your style stand out?

My goal, through design, is to make clothing for the women who want to stand out. I remember the first time I walked into the fashion building at my university and did not see much representation of edgy, sexy, and innovative clothing. My desire is not to add to an industry with more than enough designers who fit in, but instead to make clothing and a space for those who wish to represent something other than the norm. My designs deliver that through being an unapologetic expression of me.

What’s your dream fashion moment?

Growing up loving to design, I have had many dream fashion moments. When I think of the biggest goals that have remained constant throughout my career, four come to mind. First, I have always wished to own my own brand. Second, I want to design a look for the Met Gala. Cher has always been a huge inspiration to me, so dressing her would also be a dream of mine. Fourth is to design for Mugler. Mugler has been my biggest inspiration since I picked up my first sketchbook to start designing.

What would you do with $20,000?

As I mentioned, one of my dreams has always been to start my own brand. Over the past several months, I have researched and designed a 16-piece collection. Production is quite expensive, so I have been working as a waitress to help fund that dream. With $20,000, I would be able to start production on the first-ever collection for my brand Raine.