We had the good fortune of connecting with 1. Jessica, 2. Samantha, 3. Marie 1. Resendiz Castillo, 2. Fernandez, 3. Salonga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi 1. Jessica, 2. Samantha, 3. Marie, what do you want your legacy to be?
Inspiring a generation that values thoughtful decision-making, imagination, and innovation is our goal in order to pave the road for a more just and sustainable future. We hope our legacy will be one of empowerment, education, and the transformation of the fashion industry into a force for good as we mentor young minds in the art of upcycling and sustainable design.
“Designing The Future educated me about my influence on the world as well as about fashion design. I used to buy clothes without giving them any thought, now I realize how important sustainable choices are. This program gave me the opportunity to explore my creativity and strengthened my hope in the ability of positive change. – Lilly Servin

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets Designing The Future apart from others is our fusion of artistic expression with ecological consciousness, where fashion is not just about aesthetics but also a catalyst for a positive change in our community. Our proudest moment would be the transformations in our youth participants. The joy on their faces as they repurposed used material and breathed new life into these pieces! The road was not easy of course, breaking away from the fast fashion and reshaping mindsets requires dedication. Through our community engagement and focus we were able to change the minds of 81% of our students.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beaches and museums would be the most entertaining places to visit. You just have to admire the beautiful views of the ocean and environment when you visit beaches like the Crystal Cove State Park. Next on the list would be going to the FIDM Museum when they have exhibitions. A personal favorite of ours was the “Art of Costume Design” exhibition. They had costumes from the original Annie musical, Bridgerton and more! The weekend also includes the fun of vintage shopping in neighborhood OC thrift stores. We like going to the Mercy Warehouse in Laguna Niguel, they have all sorts of items beyond clothing. We love to gather old items of clothing to give them new life. Whether it’s turning a dress into a matching set or turning old jeans into a tote bag, there’s always something you can do with what you find in thrift stores!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tia Lupita, a true champion of creativity and change, whose generous spirit has not only enriched the fashion creations of our budding talents but has also provided invaluable materials and transportation, making our workshops an accessible haven of learning and innovation.

Nazanin Toghani, providing mentorship that has shone brightly through every high and low. Your belief in our mission has been an unwavering source of inspiration.

The Dragon Kim Foundation, a steadfast ally that has not only believed in our vision but has empowered us to transform it into reality within the embrace of our community.

Website: https://designingthefuture0.wixsite.com/my-site-1

Instagram: designingthefuturedkf7

Facebook: Designing The Future

Youtube: Designing The Future

Other: TikTok: Designingthefuturedkf7 GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/83508fa1 Vote for our program at the following: https://dragonkimfoundation.org/fellowship-7/

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