Whitney Jackim is from Cape Canaveral, Florida and is a Fashion Merchandising and Design, graduating December 2024.
My brand is WJDesigns. To follow my designs and work, my Instagram is wj.fashion.designs and my YouTube channel is called WJDesigns. There is still a lot in the works to do as it’s a new presence at this moment, but intend to upload more content going forward. There is always so much to do!
There are two garments for this show that I had the privilege of designing- one is called “flower” and the other is called “butterfly.”
The design for flower is a literal interpretation of bloom, but there are symbolic elements from it. Bloom means two things personally, in which “flower” represents the first meaning. Personal bloom has not been about breaking free of mental and emotional confines; bloom has been about adding layers to myself by creating boundaries and learning to protect myself in a rather unforgiving environment. Just because a flower adds layers-whether it grows more petals or leaves or eventually becomes a bouquet-does not make it any less beautiful. This type of bloom is important for understanding inner beauty and inner self, because if you are beautiful on the inside it will reflect outward.
The fabric for “flower” is two different shades of polysatin, which means long fibers (or filaments) of polyester are structured with a satin weave. This is why the fiber appears lustrous (or shiny). This show incorporates everything from streetwear to “haute couture,” so I leaned into the haute couture side of design for this show because there was more creative freedom in my mind and typically anything shiny usually draws people’s attention because it catches the viewer’s eye quicker than something matted. The two colors are “Ivory” and “Dusty Rose.” These colors were gorgeous and I knew these two colors would stand out on the model, which is why I selected the colors and material that I did. Lastly, what flower design would be complete if flowers weren’t a part of it? There are nearly 100 roses total used for both accessories and on the garment, so to make sure time didn’t run out I bought little artificial flowers rather than making them. Making handmade roses (at least tiny ones) has taken me minimum 20 minutes in the past-which I unfortunately did not have time for regarding this show.
Construction was simple- the bodice (top of the dress) has 4 main panels (12 pieces including the lining)- the front, the sides, the back, and the corset flap. To add to the “couture” side of things, each seam was created using a French seam (also known as a seam within a seam). Each of the eyelets was hand done with marking, making small incisions, and then hammering it into place. There is an actual skirt attached to the bodice, but I drafted a pattern piece to create an overlay that looks like petals to create a floral effect. The second floral layer was similar in regards to the petals but uses a waistband with a closure rather than being sewn in. The additional volume to the skirt for this second stage came from a petticoat made out of tulle fabric and some elastic. The last layer is a full circle skirt with the faux roses attached. The bow in the back is attached using snaps on the waistband.
I feel grateful my model, Cassidy, is happy and excited to present this garment to you all during the show. This look does not fit her “usual vibe,” which is something one of the main creatives for VDR pointed out. We all had a good laugh about it though because she was very sweet and genuine about being happy to try on and show it off. I’m glad I get to work with her and I appreciate her open-mindedness to try something new.
“Butterfly” is the second personal representation of Bloom for me. The past few years (at least 7 years) have taken an immense mental and emotional toll on me, which also impacted my physical and mental health. Between a mentally abusive (ex) best friend who destroyed all my friendships with lies, two lonely years of covid, and a toxic, emotionally and mentally abusive roommate, things were pretty rough. I found solitude through academics, something I excel in, but also through the VDR and the Hokie community. This past semester, I decided it was my Reputation Era (Whitney’s Version), in which I would take back my reputation and my name which had been mercilessly wrecked. When I designed the look for “butterfly,” I realized that a better way to describe “reputation era” was “transformation.” During the chrysalis stage of a butterfly’s life cycle, the caterpillar releases enzymes that breaks itself down until it is mostly a “tissue cell soup.” However, once the caterpillar has reached this point where there seems to be nothing left, it transforms. From these cells, it develops itself into something completely new. The most symbolic part is developing wings and learning to fly. The past 7 years have been that chrysalis stage in my life where I felt like nothing, but this year was a complete transformation. The past is gone, this is the present where I spread my own wings and make my own path through life.
The materials for this particular garment consisted of a woven cotton fabric, tulle fabric, and polysatin. I used black cotton fabric for the base because the little back dress (LBD) is a classic. Additionally, there are so many different ways to style a LBD, which is perfect for a show about blooming and transformation as each layer adds to the story. The second layer is a black tulle fabric with glitter. I used this particular fabric last year in another garment and the way that it catches light is gorgeous. It seemed like a great way to elevate the look and the chrysalis stage. Lastly, the fabric for the wings are panels of rose gold Polysatin fabric with the design appliquéd with black cotton. The actual transformative wings are made of cardboard and snaps. I wanted to push myself to create something mobile and functional that could literally transform on stage. The color comes from primer and spray paint.
Construction for “butterfly” was more difficult than it was for “flower.” The princess lines in the front were something that would look elegant and classy, but there were a few minor alteration issues that occurred because of the nature of drafting something 2-D and then needing it to fit something 3-D. Otherwise, it was a solid base design and was fun to construct. The tulle overlay was a lot of work for the skirt as I had to pin every fold in place and keep pinning it all together to make sure if I moved it, it wouldn’t fall apart (even when hand tacking it down into place). I used more French seams for the construction because I love how pretty it makes the seams look. It is also a great construction method for materials like tulle and lace. The “winged” skirt, again, is applied with appliqué. Appliqué is a technique laying an additional layer or patch of fabric on top of your base fabric and stitching down the edges.
I was inspired by one of my previous models, Daleah, for this look from the elegance she presents modeling on stage. This year, Victoria is my second model. She is kind and a pleasure to be around. “Butterfly” fits her spirit and aesthetic, so it was an easy choice to make this garment and have her present it to you all on stage.
Inspiration comes from so many different things- people, places, things, music, experiences, memories, environmental factors, personal factors, etc. I grew up a military B.R.A.T., so answering where I am from earlier was difficult because the simple answer is everywhere. I’ve lived in 8 states (1 state repeat) and moved 9 times… 10 times if you count moving away for college. The military has made such a huge impact in my life and I often design around themes from people I’ve met and my environment. Last year for the show “Out of this World,” I took inspiration from living in the space coast and watching launches from the Cape. There is so much beauty in Florida from sunsets to flora to the beach to launches, how can you not find inspiration?
As for inspiration this year, I have always been a butterfly girl- especially when I was little. My mom and dad talk about how I used to play with caterpillars in the spring and gently hold them in my hand. When we had a garden at one of the places we were stationed, I would catch them, look at them, and then release them. My mom called me a “butterfly whisperer,” which is still true to this day. It’s easy to design based off of natural beauty, especially butterflies, as there are so many species and their wings are all so different. This particular look though was inspired by one of my models last year, Daleah. Her look had tulle on that was meant to flow behind her, but she came up with the idea to use them to enhance her elegance on stage and gave herself wings with the theme. That was such a powerful presence that I wanted to literally give her wings this year. Now, to clarify, I know Victoria will show this outfit beautifully because she is really starting to make her own way too. The first time I watched her walk, she was nervous and had a shy demeanor when talking with others. Now, with each step she takes, she becomes more and more confident. This is her first show, so I’m happy I gave her literal wings to fly.
Flowers are also easy to find inspiration from as they are also very diverse and all beautiful for different reasons. I was inspired by petals (obviously) because their shape is very organic, it’s not perfect but it’s gorgeous and unique for what it is. A lot of people have commented it reminds them of Rosetta the flower fairy from Tinkerbell, which is a great compliment to receive. There is a comment earlier about how the “flower” isn’t my model’s usual vibe, but every time I work on the look or see her try it on I have the song “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus in my head- it fits perfectly.
Needless to say, so many things influence the way I design and one influence can lead into another, and another, and so on.
My personal designer style is along the lines of simplicity and/or elegance. I design clothes that fit and accentuate the figure I am designing for. I don’t like baggy clothes or garish bold colors. I find beauty in simplicity, so most of my designs embody that simplicity and I often see the elegance of classics and try to make it modern.