Former SAIC Student and Project Runway Winner is Key Figure in Portland's Fashion Industry
Portland based designer, Michelle Lesniak, won season 11 of Project Runway and is known for her strong aesthetic and quick wit. Lesniak is committed to her hometown of Portland where she is a key figure in the shaping of its fashion industry.
Lesniak gave a TEDx Talk at Oregon State University in March with the theme of "Disruption." Lesniak explains the process of evaluating her emotions and coming up with a title, “or thesis of sorts,” off of which she bases a collection. She discusses how collaboration influences her work, especially with the music of composer Milo Hayden who contributes to the emotive quality behind Lesniak's designs. “I don’t want to create clothing, I want to create an environment. I want people to actually feel the connection to it.”
Lesniak’s next appearance will be at the Seaside Public Library in Oregon on Thursday, June 18, where she will have some of her designs on display.
Image: Courtesy of Michelle Lesniak
In celebration of alum Georgia O’Keeffe: My New Yorks opening current SAIC students were invited to submit artworks inspired by O’keeffe and the city of Chicago.
An image from the exhibition opening of “My Chicagos: SAIC Students Honor Georgia O’Keeffe.”