Central Texas College’s College for Kids program gave young designers a glimpse into the fashion world this summer while they learned 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 clothes and designs.
The week-long class was led by experienced fashion design instructors Marie Karen Bravo Moix and Miriam Schenk, who worked together to develop a unique class with many hands-on experiences.
Bravo Moix usually works as a freelance fashion designer and teaches art and design courses in colleges and universities. During the summer, she always looks to include fun teaching work into her schedule.
“I started teaching the fashion design camp at CTC College for Kids last year,” she said. “Previously, I taught the Fashionista Fashion Camp for kids in Denton in 2019.”
Bravo Moix’s original program in Denton was so successful that she wanted to continue the learning experience in Killeen after spending more time in the region with her father, a retired Army veteran.
“Since I was spending so much time here, I thought it might be fun to see if CTC had any opportunities,” she said. “I met Jocelyn, and she is just a gem. We tailored the previous ideas from Fashionista at Denton to fit perfectly for the CTC College for Kids.”
The two designers created a whole new program that would teach kids the science of textiles with the fun of fashion.
“It is inspiring to see the kids’ creativity,” Bravo Moix said.
The fashion-filled week includes learning the basics of textiles, hand sewing, using a sewing machine, tie-dyeing and surface design techniques. For the design process, the kids focus on upcycling old clothing, enabling students to transform old jeans into jacket sleeves or turn 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 clothing is practical and fun,” she said.
The camp’s grand finale is a fashion show during which students showcase their creations to the public.
“The fashion show helps kids practice confidence and gain more self-esteem through public presentation,” Bravo Moix said. “It’s a wonderful way for them to share their creative designs.”
Participants in the course certainly shared her excitement and passion for fashion.
“I like how we learn new things every day,” said 10-year-old Solei Wilkerson, who was working on a unique pant design.
Peyton Kelley, 10, who was designing a fashionable blouse, also enjoyed the variety of the workshop and the creative environment.
“It’s really fun,” she said.
The program was open to ages 10 and up, and no previous sewing or fashion knowledge was required.
“The hope is that they will learn the skills to alter and customize their clothing to be unique to them,” Bravo Moix said. “Some of the kids from last year have shared with me that they are still practicing sewing at home and creating new designs.”
