Winner of the 2008 Tommy Hilfiger Signature Style Challenge: Retro Modern

How do you come up with a great idea, I asked myself over and over. I paced up and down the room trying to figure out the answer. Maybe the real question is, how were you taught to come up with ideas? I can remember my early days in school when my teachers would make us use idea webs—basically a bunch of circles connecting to each other. But looking back I hated those idea webs. I remember calling them a waste of time. Why? Ideas aren’t created on an idea web; they come to you as quick as light. They just happen.

These days dreamers tend to be let down. I failed a classical art course because my drawings weren’t detailed enough. But I didn’t give up; I knew I could draw but detailing was difficult. I’m terrible at shading and line details, but just because I have flaws it doesn’t mean I should give up drawing. Thankfully, this is the age of technology. If I didn't have a computer I would have never come up with my unique art skills, not to mention my winning designs for the Signature Style Challenge.

Speaking of the Signature Style Challenge, people have been constantly asking me how I came up with the winning designs. Well, I could play it safe and say I don’t remember. Honestly I don’t! I created those designs a long time ago, but I can still remember my inspirations.

When I design the inspiration is usually a vintage sewing pattern, an actress from the past—such as Audrey Hepburn—classic literature, or movies. I was inspired by the 40’s and 60’s fashion for my first two designs, the hounds-tooth dress and the caramel and red lace dress.

Teen Vogue Magazine is inspirational! I love flipping through the pages and looking at all their fashion ideas. However, when it comes to “clashing” their models look like they dress in the dark. When I designed the third outfit— the green and black dress—I wanted to show how to create a good clash.
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My Advice:

Don’t be afraid of new ideas. People are afraid of change but at the same time people need change. Take the light-bulb as an example. At the time it was a great idea, but despised by the gas-light community.

You can create new ideas and let the world know about them! The competitions on BKFK are a great way to show off your talents and ideas. Even if you don’t win, keep going. There are a lot of opportunities out there.

I would suggest always storing ideas in your idea locker, and create a portfolio. Both are useful tools for sharing your ideas. Also, don’t be discouraged if the contests on BKFK don’t fit the category of your ideas. New competitions come, just be patient! Trust me you never know which idea is a winner.