Stitched with spirit: Students design custom denim jackets for Homecoming fundraiser
Estefania Villasenor
During this year’s Homecoming Weekend, some lucky Wildcats will have the chance wear their pride on their sleeves – literally!
The Norton School of Human Ecology will host an auction featuring denim jackets designed by current and former students. The auction will be part of the school’s Homecoming celebration on November 7, and proceeds from the auction will benefit the Norton Alumni Council’s Scholarship Fund.
Participating designers worked with faculty in the Fashion Industry’s Science and Technology program to create unique garments inspired by Southern Arizona. Each jacket represents the talent and creativity of our students.
We talked with a few of the designers to ask them about their work.
Gina D’Onofrio
Fashion Industry Sciences and Technology (Class of 2025)
What was the inspiration for your design?
I was inspired by Arizona – specifically, the U of A’s colors of red and blue. I looked at fabrics that felt like Arizona, and just started cutting to see what came to mind.
How did you bring the design to life?
It was a very organic process. Once I selected my fabrics, I started cutting pieces into specific shapes and went with the flow of what I thought would mesh together well.
What are your post-graduation goals?
I graduated this past May! I’m currently working as a personal assistant and social media manager in New York City, and I love it. I’m hoping to find a future position in visual merchandising.
Catalina Mascreño
Interdisciplinary Studies, Economy and Industry Emphasis
What’s the inspiration for your design?
My jackets were inspired by the University of Arizona and the stunning desert plants of Tucson, especially the iconic saguaros and cacti. I wanted to create something different, out of my comfort zone.
I designed them to be statement pieces – jackets that spark compliments and conversations every time they’re worn. I wanted to make them with love, so that they could be worn with pride.
How did you bring your designs to life?
I upsized the jackets a little bit, because I personally don’t like my jean jackets tight and form-fitting. I added more fabric to the sleeves and the sides so they can be one size fits most.
For my first jacket, I knew I wanted to add the “Block A” logo, so I decided to cut the bedazzled ‘A’ from an official U of A tee shirt and placed it on the back of the jacket. Lace is one of my favorite fabrics to work with, so I incorporated some. I also added some corset-like sides that allow for adjustability, and finally some cute, girly ruffles at the bottom.
For my second jacket, I was sure I wanted to add some patchwork design and that I wanted to take advantage of denim’s natural tendency to fray by making a kimono-style jacket with big frayed sleeves. It wasn’t a straightforward process – I spent days looking for inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube, unsure whether I wanted to make it long like a coat or cropped, whether the patchwork should be random or symmetrical. After much thought, I finally committed, cutting into the jacket and seam-ripping it apart to reimagine it completely.
I began with the artwork on the back that showcases two symmetrical saguaros – which are my favorite – along with some prickly pear cactus. Everything that was added to the jacket was denim material from my scrap fabric that I have been hoarding for many, many years, which made it even more meaningful to finally put it to use. After adding the back panel, I assembled the side panels and then the sleeves. The original waistband was removed and attached to make the collar. To finish it off, I added a new waistband with belt loops. To tie it all together, I distressed the edges for a fringed, frayed look.
Each jacket took days to complete, but the effort was worth it. They represent some of my best and most heartfelt work.
What are your post-graduation goals?
My goal is to continue to grow my thrift store and upcycling business, El Ropero. I want to keep challenging myself with new upcycling projects and eventually teach fashion courses to those who are passionate about making a positive impact. Upcycling goes hand-in-hand with recycling, and through my work I hope to inspire others to see fashion as a way to help the world.
Sarah Jane McKeighan
Retailing and Consumer Science
What’s the inspiration for your design?
I wanted to create jackets that really capture the University of Arizona spirit while still being pieces that can be added to the winner’s everyday wardrobe.
The first jacket I like to call “Retro Redone.” I love the many iterations Wilbur has gone through, and I thought incorporating an old-school homecoming shirt into my design would be perfect for the homecoming auction.
My second jacket is called “The Fifita Era.” I wanted to incorporate a University of Arizona Hawaiian shirt into my design to pay homage to our current Wildcats football team and the many players of Pacific Islander heritage. They’ve created a new era of U of A football, one that students can be proud of; I wanted to highlight that.
How did you bring your designs to life?
I started by brainstorming everything I could possibly do to enhance these jackets and then narrowed it down to create something everyone wants in their closet. I tried different orientations and placements throughout the process and ended up with something I am very proud of.
What are your post-graduation goals?
After graduation, I would love to be working in the apparel industry in New York City, continuing to do what I love and applying all the knowledge the University of Arizona has bestowed upon me.
Kashvi Mullick
Psychological Science (Class of 2023)
What’s the inspiration for your design?
For this jacket, I wanted to combine my appreciation for Tucson and the University of Arizona with my admiration for Kutch embroidery, an intricate and colorful form of embroidery from the Gujarat region in India. I decided that the composition should have a patchwork wildcat in the center, surrounded by cactus flowers.
How did you bring your design to life?
I started out by drawing a few design options and looked through lots of embroidery photos and denim jackets. I liked the idea of using colors that are close to the University of Arizona colors and the colors of the Sonoran Desert. Once I had picked my favorite design, I started to cut out and pin the pieces. Then I started the long process of hand-sewing on the patches and adding embroidery details to the wildcat and flowers. The last piece was sewing the flower onto the sleeve, which is my favorite detail on the jacket.
What are your post-graduation goals?
I’m really excited because one of my goals was to go to graduate school for fashion, which I now get to do! In the long term, I want to work as a costume designer and stylist.
For more information about the Norton School Homecoming Celebration, or to register to attend, visit the event webpage.