VDR Show - Virginia Tech 2024

Jalauni Rollins

Jalauni Rollins is from Hampton, Virginia. She is currently studying Fashion Merchandising and Design and is expected to graduate in December 2025.

Brand Design

Jalauni is a fashion designer and the owner/creator of her brand “LuxedUp by Jalauni Rollins LLC”. Jalauni started her business in January 2023. Her brand features unique designs that are for any occasion. She creates one-of-a-kind garments for all body types and offers prom and wedding dress designs as well! You can see some of her wonderful designs on TikTok: @luxedupbyjr and on Instagram: @shopluxedup.

About the Design

For the show, Jalauni created two pieces for her “Winter Bloom” look. For her “winter blooming” effect, she created an all-white, icy look that featured a white coat as the center of her design. Her coat was constructed using a thin, white blanket material with floral detailing hidden in the fabric that she had found at a thrift store. Additionally, the coat was given fur trimming, a satin lining, and many other details including pockets and a belt. The coat also features “snowballs” on the back of the coat. This effect was created by cutting out circles using a fur fabric, stitching them onto the coat, and stuffing it to give it a 3- dimensional appearance. Underneath the coat, Jalauni created a denim two-piece set that includes a denim bra, and a denim skirt with a “corset-like” closure on the side of the skirt. This set was constructed by upcycling jeans and creating cuts in the fabric for a ripped jean look. All of her pieces were constructed without patterns and were either machine-sewn or hand-sewn.

Design Style

Jalauni’s design style is centered around creating never-before-seen before designs. She likes to think outside the box to create unique, high-quality, stand-out pieces. Her designer style heavily influenced her to take on this year's theme “Bloom”. When brainstorming on her look, she started to create the idea of a “Winter Bloom” look. Her look was inspired by the idea of a winter blooming out of the outfit, but also making it streetwear. She continued to play with this idea to create an all-white, eccentric look that is unique, and innovative and showcases her skills and personal style.