Spotlight: Anthony Carmen Designs
“From Academia to Art”
From science labs to sewing machines, 22-year-old Anthony Carmen is a Biology graduate now trying to make his mark in fashion. I talked to the student/retail worker/aspiring designer, who is currently studying in Philadelphia.
You originally were a Biology graduate but took a massive turn and decided to pursue a love for fashion. What inspired such a big change?
When I graduated from high school, I had the idea that I wanted to be a doctor. I had straight As, was near the top of my class, enjoyed science…so when applying for schools, I thought I’d apply as a biology major with a concentration on pre-med. Quickly, I realized I had no passion for that kind of life. I’d say in my second year in college, my growing interest in fashion had nearly had me quit everything and just try to get into New York schools. That faded though, realizing I was completely unprepared for anything like that. Fear set in, and I planned for a Master’s degree and a life in genetic counseling.
Then the summer before my senior year happened, and it’s really all a blur. When I should have been filling out graduate school applications, I got this crazy idea to just go for it. I thought I could spend this year getting my things together, learn how to sew, learn the ins and outs of the fashion world, learn to design – that’s basically where the change happened. On a whim, dreaming in the summer, somehow got accepted [onto a fashion design course], and here I am in Philadelphia!
What’s your earliest fashion memory?
Great question! I would have to say, when I was really little, on my bed, poorly drawing people
and trying to design/draw ridiculous clothes on them that I had probably seen in one of my sister’s magazines. That was a brief period, but somehow, I still remember it.
When you design clothes, do you have a particular type of person/customer in mind? What kind of person do you think would like to wear your designs?
I really just design from what I would like to see on a person. I don’t have a particular person in mind. For me, clothing is all about confidence. It doesn’t matter what age, body type, height [you are]. If it looks good, you’ll feel good. I think that’s mostly what I’m about – good looking clothes that boost confidence and make your outfit something you don’t have to worry about.
Describe your own personal style – do you think it’s reflected in your own designs?
My personal style now is limited. It’s very hard for me to find the types of clothes I would want to wear, so right now, I buy whatever is cheap, and I can try to work it in somewhere. I definitely like colors and a specific fit. I would love to make more affordable clothing options for men that aren’t just generic, but also fun/interesting/good looking. To relate this to women, I love color, I love patterns, I love good looking, and I love trying to make it look a little different.
What designers do you admire?
My favorites are Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera. I love McQueen’s drama, ideas, construction; the clothes are always so beautiful and so bold. I was happy with Sarah Burton’s collection this fall, and I hope she can continue with what he was doing. Herrera is so chic and elegant and amazing for the female form. I guess if I would describe how I would want to be as a designer; it would be bold but still with a sense of elegance, wear-ability, and body consciousness.
If any celebrity could wear one of your pieces, who would it be?
A celebrity I think could pull off bold and still remain elegant, [such as] Anne Hathaway. She’s got a great
figure, stunning looks, and excellent poise. It’d be an honor!
If you could swap places with one person for a day, who would it be?
I would swap places with myself as a little kid, so I could go back in time and start introducing myself to art a lot earlier in life and not just a year ago. Maybe that change for a day would give me a different future life? I feel too old at 22!
Who/what inspires you?
I can’t pick out a certain name. So much inspires me. I guess my biggest inspiration has been those who’ve chased their dreams no matter how farfetched they seem. It’s important to live your life the way you want it, especially [since] you’re only going to get one. As for design inspirations, I really just pull them from everyday life, whether it be an outfit that struck me, a person’s essence, a beautiful tree that gave me an idea. It really can be from anywhere, it just depends on the day.
In an industry that is so hard to get into, how do you keep motivated and working hard?
Because I’m just starting out as a student, I’m trying to forget how difficult this industry is. I just want to get the best foundation I can get, prepare myself, and then enter the world knowing that I’m at a good place and capable of handling this business. I guess it doesn’t hurt getting exposure while I’m in school through my website and interviews and such. I’d like to sell some clothes on Etsy at some point soon, as well.
What do you see yourself doing (hopefully!) in five years time?:
Well, I’ll be out of school, so I guess I would want to be working in New York for a design company and starting out my career. I mean, I’d love to have my own boutique (perhaps in Philadelphia) instead of working under someone else, but we’ll see what happens by then!
How can people contact you about your work (twitter, website etc)?
My website is : http://www.AnthonyCarmenDesigns.com
(Just finished the semester and finally have time, expect frequent updates!)
And you can follow me on twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/Anthony_Carmen
Thanks, Anthony!
Rachel xxx
Have you got a story to tell? Whether a designer, blogger, fashionista or anything else, if you’d be interested in doing a feature like this one, just drop me a quick e-mail at watchthisplace@hotmail.co.uk telling me a little about yourself! I don’t bite…honest. 
</
Trackbacks