Vanessa Lubeigt, a student from Istituto Marangoni Miami, took home the student winner title at the Sprayground design competition, and her winning piece was showcased at the brand’s New York Fashion Week show on September 10. Celebrity guests included Maino, Sammis Reyes, Mayce, Steph G, Jason Cameron, Dj Drewski Sukihana, Armon Warren, Zachary Larson, and Shane Appell, who all dazzled on the front row. The event was set in the elegant Veronika space at the Fotografiska Museum, where attendees were welcomed by high ceilings adorned with modern chandeliers and an aroma of fresh roses. As the upbeat music set the tone, celebrities and fashion insiders took their seats, eager to witness the brand’s new “Collection of Dreams Spring 2024.” Vanessa’s design blended seamlessly into Sprayground’s audacious lineup, marking a memorable milestone for both her and the iconic brand known for pushing the boundaries of fashion.
We recently interviewed Vanessa to get her perspective on what it’s like to be a part of NYFW and have her design made by a major brand.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in design?
I am Vanessa Lubeigt, a dual national of French and Colombian descent. I am privileged to have a loving partner and to be the mother of two delightful young daughters, aged 2 and 5. From a tender age, I have harbored a profound appreciation for the realms of fashion, art, design, and aesthetics. My upbringing within both Colombian and French cultural contexts instilled in me a strong emphasis on personal presentation and an innate sense of effortless yet chic self-expression.
My early years were spent in Colombia, where I was surrounded by a vibrant community of individuals who exuded happiness and dedication. At the age of 7, I relocated to Miami, where I pursued my education within institutions offering French language programs. Eventually, I graduated from ISCHS, holding both an American Diploma and a French Baccalaureate.
My childhood dream, which has endured since the age of 6, was to embark on a career as a fashion designer. Regrettably, upon high school graduation, I faced constraints, primarily the exorbitant tuition fees at the only fashion design institution in Miami at the time, the Art Institute. Consequently, I enrolled for the Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing at MCD and FIU while concurrently forging a three-year career in banking, notably at JP Morgan Chase.
Subsequently, my professional journey led me into the corporate luxury sector, where I contributed my talents to esteemed companies such as LVMH Fragrance Brands, Shiseido, Kering Eyewear, Coty, Manifiesto, Moet Hennessy, and the Clarins Group. Over the years, I have assumed diverse roles, including sales coordinator, marketing coordinator, merchandising manager, marketing manager, and marketing director.
The more I advanced in my corporate career, the more I recognized the enduring flame of my passion for design. Consequently, I chose to depart from my role at Coty and embark on a fulfilling path toward realizing my aspiration of becoming a fashion designer. This led me to enroll in the Fashion Design program at Istituto Marangoni Miami.
Balancing the demands of my education, consulting roles, and caring for my two beloved daughters has undoubtedly been a formidable challenge. Nonetheless, this journey has been greatly enriched by the unwavering support of my partner and family. During my time in school, I also experienced a rekindling of my passion for photography, styling, and art direction. It has been an incredibly gratifying experience to study the subject of my utmost passion, surrounded by exceptionally talented individuals while having the privilege of my beautiful family witnessing the transformation of my dreams into reality.
2. What motivated you to enter?
My motivation to undertake this challenge stemmed from a desire to exceed the boundaries of my perceived capabilities in both design and creativity. Initially, I harbored doubts about whether this competition aligned with my strengths, as I lacked what I perceived as “crazy revolutionary concepts.” It was precisely this uncertainty that spurred me to participate. I recognized the need to step out of my comfort zone and explore uncharted territory, believing that only by embracing the unknown could I foster personal growth, acquire fresh insights, and bolster my confidence in my abilities.
3. Can you walk us through the concept behind your winning design?
The competition centered around the selection of a design from the array of bags presented by Sprayground during their visit to Istituto Marangoni to introduce the project. Our task was to craft a design inspired by one of these bags, utilizing the flat fabric from the bag itself. Among the available bags, I found myself instinctively drawn to the “Path to Future” Collection. This collection bore the essence of a project deeply rooted in the themes of royalty, pride, love, and the profound power emanating from the birthplace of both nature and humanity: Africa.
The bag’s intricate pattern resonated with me, resembling the aesthetics of cubism in art. Instantaneously, I envisioned a dynamic interplay between art and fashion. I had a profound desire to explore various modes of abstract expression in art, thereby blurring the boundaries between art and fashion design. My aspiration sought to create a realm of creativity and self-expression, employing a palette of colors and forms to bridge the gap between wearable art and high fashion.
4. How did you choose the materials/technology/software for your design?
The initial phase involved sketching my design concept and subsequently submitting it to the judging panel. Upon being selected as one of the top 5 finalists, the design was translated into a tangible form using CLO T3 software to create the pattern. With the pattern finalized, the subsequent step entailed precision cutting of the materials.
The foundational component of my dress comprised plain black leather, graciously provided by the Sprayground team. Over this foundational canvas, we affixed the selected 3D leather pattern pieces to the dress’s surface.
5. What were the most challenging aspects of your design, and how did you overcome them?
The meticulous selection of materials for the creation of the 3D elements proved to be a rigorous and challenging process. Initially, the brand provided flat materials corresponding to the selected pattern. However, upon cutting a few pieces for experimentation, it became evident that the individual pattern pieces appeared smaller on the dress compared to my original sketch.
This needed a collaborative effort, as the seamstress and I engaged with multiple sources to find an optimal solution. Ultimately, we scanned and resized each individual piece to align precisely with the envisioned design. Subsequently, the resized art was sent to a specialized supplier for printing and laser cutting on leather. Simultaneously, we acquired foam material, which also underwent laser cutting. The leather patterns were then meticulously affixed atop the foam to give the dress a compelling 3D effect.
The final assembly phase demanded meticulous hand-gluing of each pattern piece onto the dress, culminating in the realization of the envisioned design.
6. What was your inspiration for this design?
My design was inspired by the fusion of cubism-influenced art and my desire to create a dress that epitomized high fashion while reflecting my personal identity. I aimed to craft a captivating yet wearable piece with an engaging silhouette. Drawing inspiration from esteemed fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain, and Moschino, I meticulously examined their designs to create the distinctive silhouette of my dress.
7. How did your studies or coursework influence your design?
My academic pursuits have significantly shaped my design journey in numerous facets. Prior to my enrollment in school, I lacked the skills necessary for drawing, crafting effective moodboards, creating patterns, and bringing my creative concepts to life. The invaluable guidance and mentorship of my dedicated teachers have been instrumental in equipping me with the knowledge and expertise required to translate my artistic vision from mere ideas on paper into tangible, real-world creations.
8. How did you feel when you found out you won?
The moment of revelation left me in a state of profound shock and bewilderment. The challenges I encountered throughout the competition were formidable, necessitating numerous revisions and refinements of my dress until I arrived at the perfect solution.
My garment was the final one to be completed, and it was dispatched a day later than planned, intensifying my anxiety. I was convinced that my creation diverged significantly from the work of my peers, whose designs appeared more cohesive and interconnected with the brand itself. It felt as though my outfit was destined for an entirely different occasion altogether.
When the news broke that I had emerged as the competition’s winner, a whirlwind of emotions took over me. It quickly became evident to me that I possessed a distinct talent and the capacity to achieve any goal I set my mind to with unwavering determination. This triumphant moment underscored the notion that possessing a unique vision, distinct from the rest, can often be the very attribute that sets one apart from the crowd.
9. What do you think set your design apart from the competition?
I believe that my design distinguished itself from the competition due to its distinct and innovative vision and color palette. It embodied wearable art, seamlessly blending elements of high fashion with practicality and functionality.
10. Have you received any feedback from industry professionals or peers that surprised you?
I’ve been fortunate to receive an abundance of positive feedback from both peers and industry professionals, who have expressed admiration for the uniqueness and sheer beauty of my garment. Several individuals have even conveyed their genuine interest in wearing the piece, affirming its blend of artistry and wearability.
11. How do you plan to build on this success?
To further leverage this success, I intend to continually test my boundaries by actively seeking out and participating in competitions, even when my initial perception may not align with the competition’s profile. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of the design process but has also provided valuable insights into my personal growth and potential within the industry.
12. Do you have any upcoming projects or competitions that you’re excited about?
Yes! I have exciting and ambitious upcoming projects. I’ve submitted a presentation with my business plan for the Okinawa shoes competition and anticipate the forthcoming announcement of the finalists. Additionally, I’m in the process of collaborating with a friend to create a luxury handbag brand. Furthermore, I am gearing up to begin working on my personal collection for my own brand in the near future. These endeavors reflect my dedication to building my own personal brand and realizing my creative aspirations within the industry.
13. What advice would you give to other aspiring student designers?
This competition has been a profound learning experience, reinforcing the importance of never underestimating one’s capabilities or potential in any endeavor. It has taught me that personal growth often necessitates venturing into uncharted territories and confronting challenges that may initially seem daunting. Maintaining unwavering self-confidence in both oneself and one’s work is essential, regardless of how others’ work may appear. The act of comparing yourself to others can be detrimental, as it can lead to self-doubt. In this competition, I, too, initially believed that other designs had a stronger chance of winning. However, the outcome proved otherwise: I emerged as the winner. This serves as a powerful reminder that the judge’s criteria can be unpredictable, and success could very well be within reach for anyone who boldly pursues their passions.
14. Are there any interesting anecdotes or “behind-the-scenes” stories you could share about your experience?
The uncertainty regarding my dress making it to NYC weighed heavily on my mind. Throughout the process, we encountered a series of challenges, each presenting its own set of obstacles. There were moments when I genuinely questioned whether I would be able to complete my garment within the stipulated time frame, particularly after observing that my peers had already shipped their outfits.
I opted for an overnight shipping method in a bid to expedite the delivery, but it wasn’t until three days before the show that my dress finally arrived. The anxiety associated with this uncertainty persisted right up until the moment of the show.
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15. How can people keep up with your work? (Social media handles, website, etc.)
People can keep up with my work via:
Social Media: @vanessalubeigt (photography account) @vluby (personal account)
Linkedin: Vanessa Lubeigt
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