A few years ago, Katherine Gibbs did not know if apparel design program at Texas Tech would make the cut, but little did she know she was about to find her calling in the fashion industry.
"I kinda started the apparel design program as a test, and I ended up falling in love with it," Gibbs said. "We are a really tight knit group, and we have a lot of fun. It was definitely the right move for me."
Gibbs is just one of many students participating in this years Denim Runway Design Contest and this is not her first go round.
"Last year I participated in the competition for men and women's jeans," Gibbs said. "This year I am doing casual wear. I am doing a jacket, so I hope that gives me a little bit of an advantage because a lot of people are making dresses."
Gibbs is taking time to draw up the perfect plan. Think motorcycle jacket and think abstract coloring. There will be no ordinary blue for this contestant who is thankful for the opportunities given to the students throughout the competition.
"I think it is really neat that the Littlefield factory is so close to Lubbock and that we have that awesome resource," Gibbs said. "I think everyone in this department should utilize it."
Denim has a mind of its own and Gibbs said after working with the fabric she really realizes the complexity involved in each and every pair of jeans.
"The strategy on constructing jeans is a lot more complicated than it looks," Gibbs said. "Just the basic fly front is pretty difficult."
Win or lose, Gibbs' ideal career has more to do with ivory than indigo.
"I would like to work in the wedding industry," Gibbs said. "I would love to do custom wedding dresses. It is my passion."
The Denim Design Contest is helping her to craft custom couture which is something that she hopes to do for a living in the future.
"I would love to have my own store," Gibbs said. "I want to be able to give brides exactly what they are looking for."
