FLORENCE – Jesselin Unger, a University of North Alabama student, showcased her apparel designs during the recent Fashion Week Alabama fashion show, produced by the Alabama Fashion Alliance.
Unger, a fashion merchandising and design major, was chosen as the Style Tank Emerging Designer Finalist for the work she submitted.
Unger said participating in Fashion Week Alabama was an unforgettable experience.
“I got to showcase my vision as well as meet other industry designers,” she said. “And I was in a room of people who share the same passion.”
She added that her favorite part of the experience was something that most designers dread – a clothing malfunction.
“A model tried on one of my outfits and the zipper broke, and I had one hour before the show,” Unger said. “So the model let me sew the dress on her! It was funny and I will never forget it. That dress was literally made for her.
“The models were stunning and owned my designs as if they were their own. It also gave me a sign that I was in the right place, and I would do it all over again.”
Unger said she has wanted to be a designer since she was a little girl playing with dolls.
“As a young child, I was interested in altering doll clothes to create better designs,” Unger said. “I always knew that my top career choice would be as a fashion designer. I genuinely cannot think of another career that would make me this happy. Fashion is the motivation for my creativity and work ethic.”
Laura McKee, senior lecturer for the Fashion Merchandising and Design program and the assistant department chair in Visual Arts and Design, has worked with Unger throughout her time at UNA.
“Jesselin is a great student who truly loves her career choice in fashion design,” McKee said. “She is very talented and has a passion for designing feminine pieces. We are all rooting for her and are proud of her success thus far. It will be fun to watch her career journey upon graduation – she will do big things!”
What might those big things include?
Unger said she has mapped out the next 20 years, including moving to New York or Atlanta after graduation and working in the corporate fashion world to learn the business side.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
