RYAN PRINZ

Age: 20
Hometown: Naperville, IL
School and Year: Fashion Institute of Technology, 2nd Semester


What is fashion to you? Whether one acknowledges it or not, fashion acts as an undeniable bond shared by human beings on a multitude of levels. An industry that has the ability to both influence and connect people of all backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles on such a large scale is something very unique. The reason I remain motivated to pursue a career in fashion is because it would allow me to be a small part of something that is in turn a big part of everything.

Collection: “Sixteen Tons” - It is inspired by the lives of Depression Era coal miners who grew up in the many coal-mining camps of Appalachia. The title is a reference to Merle Travis’ coal mining folksong of the same name, which describes the daily grime that continuously surrounds a miner. The combination of a poverty-bruised ego and labor-intensive lifestyle allows “Sixteen Tons” to establish a dreary daydream filled with mix and match separates that emphasize ease, layering, and functionality.

What/who inspires you? Whether exploring a hidden path in the woods or discovering the quickest path to work, I’m interested in making innovative pieces for the real girl and her very real life. Because this reality may include sleeping through the alarm and having three seconds to look her best, I am most inspired by the ease of a wardrobe. The lifestyle of a girl on the go and her ability to quickly throw pieces together to create an effortlessly cool look without really trying is what inspires me most. I live for clothes that are meant to be lived in, making the girl wearing them feel confident, comfortable, and free to be herself, wherever she may be headed.

What does Fusion mean to you? Participating in Fusion gives me the opportunity to gain crucial knowledge and experience in the complete process of producing an independent collection. Any chance I get to develop my craft and grow as both a person and a designer is an opportunity I value greatly. There is nothing that compares to the satisfaction of turning an idea into a reality, and by showing in Fusion this reality is shared with a wide spectrum of viewers who can take part in this satisfaction.


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