Designing clothes enables Junior April Bowen to unleash her creativity and has additionally motivated her to be herself. She advises others to do the same. “Don’t be afraid to stand out,” Bowen states.
By Pauline Dagaas
Whether it be sports, playing a musical instrument, writing, or drawing, nearly every individual has a hobby. In the case of Junior April Bowen, her hobby is designing clothes. “First you have to take the pattern (which you can buy at craft stores) and trace. Then you cut carefully, and sew the seams according to the directions within the pattern,” says Bowen. Typically, this is the process she undergoes when making a shirt, a process that she now finds simple. Yet when it comes to designing clothing in general, Bowen believes the steps are far easier said than done. “At times, it can be very difficult. It takes a lot of preparation with pinning and finding the right measurements,” she states. Nowadays, her sewing abilities are no longer limited to shirts but additionally include various pieces of clothing ranging from simple ones such as shirts and scarves, to more complex projects such as shorts and dresses.
Bowen is not the only one in her family who enjoys designing clothes. She credits a part of her abilities and passion for designing to her mother. “My mom always used to make our backpacks and Halloween costumes so she was a bit of inspiration,” she says. Her second motivation came from her love for fashion and its trends. Making her own clothing would enable her to create her own trends and original pieces that would fit her style. “I love wearing the things I make because I know that no one else is wearing it.” Fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Stevie Nicks, Blake Lively, and Lady Gaga are a few of her favorites and have also influenced her personal style and designs.
Although Bowen enjoys creating her own clothing, not everyone has been open to the idea. A few of her pieces she has worn to school have been subject to ridicule by peers. “I won’t say I haven’t gotten some nasty comments for being bold with my fashion choices,” she states. Rather than deter her love for fashion, Bowen has continued designing away, carrying a specific mindset when she receives such putdowns. “I just need to set their opinions aside and remind myself that others cannot define who I am,” she says.
With that mindset, Bowen feels she has reaped several benefits from her hobby. While it does serve as a creative outlet, she believes the greatest benefit is the self-confidence it has instilled in her, regardless of the comments people have made. This in turn, makes her proud of the person she has become, herself. “It’s given me a huge confidence boost. Even though some people may not like what I’ve made, I love it and thats what really matters most.” She advises students this: “Don’t be afraid to stand out.”
As far as her future is concerned, Bowen does not intend to pursue fashion design, stating, “It would most definitely be my dream job. Unfortunately, fashion is one of the most competitive fields and very cut throat in society.” Despite this, her aspirations are similar to being a designer. After high school, she plans on attending college in the hopes of becoming a stylist.
Bowen, however, still has another two years before graduating. In the meantime, she continues being an active member of the PHS Speech and Debate Team, Alpha Delta Rho, National Honors Society, and Key Club. Along with schoolwork, this can at times be an overwhelming schedule. Fortunately, she has been able to manage her stressful moments by working on a new design: her 2013 prom dress.