Fashion’s Next Generation Designers at Drexel University
Photography by Chiara Hamazaki
Redefining Rebellion Through Wearable Art
Alanna Jewel Jaron, a junior Fashion Design student, is often found decked out in leopard print, leather jacket, and a studded rhinestone belt on the third-floor fashion studios. Jaron's journey to becoming a designer started long before she first laid hands on fabric. Raised in a lively Florida home filled with color and creativity, she grew up amidst piles of fabric, jewelry molds, and the legacy of her mother, a jeweler with an eye for striking design. "I was surrounded by artists who encouraged me to create," she recalls. By 13, Jaron knew she wanted to make art that wasn’t just confined to walls or paper but could be worn, walked in, and celebrated.
Her work draws from every artistic influence she's encountered, blending fashion illustrations with mixed media collage, spray paint, and raw magazine clippings. Jaron describes her style as “rock meets cowboy meets androgyny,” a fusion of rugged and glam that pays homage to icons like Debby Harry and Lady Gaga. These legendary figures inspire her boldness, but Jaron also channels the futurist, metallic glamour of Paco Rabanne’s Space Age designs. In her world, a garment is more than just clothing, it’s a statement, a mood, a message.
“I’ve always felt the need to speak through my designs,” Jaron says. Today, her line carries an outspoken message: “Vote.” For her, this is more than a slogan; it's a call for education, awareness, and empowerment. Growing up in Florida, Jaron witnessed the duality of vibrant culture and pervasive ignorance, which led her to value self-protection and resilience.
“When I was 13, I couldn’t have imagined seeing myself like this; I’d be in tears,” she admits, reflecting on the journey from her quiet, guarded younger self to the loud, unapologetic designer she’s become.
For Jaron, creativity strikes often after a night out between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m., often after a night out, usually a house party. She savors the quiet solitude of her apartment, replaying the excitement of the evening as her mind drifts into a creative flow. Her process begins when a fleeting idea pops up, then is jotted down with the nearest thing to hand: lipstick, scraps of paper. Inspiration may come from a random TV show, a rock, or the stillness that lingers after a party. Once she’s sketched the concept, Jaron dives into color.
In the studio, she drapes and sketches on fabric simultaneously, letting the garment evolve organically. Using materials from fabric stores in Philadelphia like Fleishman Fabrics and Jomar Textiles, she gravitates towards denim and T-shirts, fabrics that allow for playful manipulation and repurposing. Jaron’s signature pieces combine these elements with her must-have essentials: leather, rhinestones, eyeliner, and a studded belt.
Jaron acknowledges that staying true to herself can be challenging in an industry that imposes trends and labels. “It’s easy to forget who you are, especially when everyone’s telling you who you should be,” she says. To combat this, Jaron taps into the subcultures that inspire her, particularly the London punk scene of the 1970s. This movement, which rejected mainstream ideals, reminds her to resist the urge to conform and embrace her hybrid style instead.
Jaron’s dream project? To work with a musician as their designer, creating bold silhouettes and wearable art that amplify their stage presence. Daring shapes and a theatrical approach inspire Jaron as she sees herself designing for the fearless.
Alanna Jewel Jaron’s advice to young designers is simple: “You’ll know if you’re meant for this industry. Listen to yourself, stay forward, and don’t apologize for who you are.” She learned the importance of conviction from her time at Westphal, where presenting confidently became second nature. She’ll carry this lesson with her as she steps into her next chapter and prepares for her co-op, ready to shape the future of fashion with a vision as bold as her designs.
Alanna is sharing her design and activism journey through her Instagram account @alannajewelj
Harnessing the Future of Fashion through Mechanical Sensuality
Born in San Francisco with roots in Westchester, NY, junior Fashion Design student, Miles Fuller’s work is as vibrant and multifaceted as his upbringing. Fuller’s designs pulse with the energetic influence of a tech-boom era, where the rhythm of indie techno music and the hum of machines informed his early ideas of style. His fascination with futurism and the intersection of technology and fashion forms the foundation of his aesthetic, which he describes as “juiced, mechanical, and sensual.”
Fuller has been refining his design identity since 2020, when he designed a digital runway collection, creating garments with bright, balanced shapes with body-conscious cutouts and vivid pops of color, especially his signature orange. A bold tangerine orange with golden undertones, this color embodies the sleek, retro energy of 70’s pop. “It’s an obsession,” he laughs, “but it gives my work that punch.” Inspired by icons like Jeremy Scott’s camp aesthetic at Moschino and Alexander McQueen’s dramatic narratives, Fuller combines wit, elegance, and a sharp, techno-inspired aesthetic rooted in futuristic silhouettes and bold, dynamic details.
Fuller’s journey into fashion began not only with clothes but with storytelling. “Fashion is a whole narrative,” he explains. “It’s about telling a story through sound, color, and movement, making someone feel something.” In 2016, he was captivated by the narrative of Chanel and Versace, fascinated by the brand drama, campaigns, and even the music accompanying their shows. His curiosity drove him to study the industry and its icons, fueling a commitment to creating a brand identity as bold and original as his inspirations. His work is often inspired by 50s-70s couture, like Charles James’s gowns, reinterpreted with a modern, futuristic flair. “It’s about taking classic designs and infusing them with a bit of camp and a lot of energy,” he says.
Fuller’s approach to design is anything but conventional. Each collection begins with a paired playlist full of songs from SOPHIE, Charlie XCX, and techno legends, which he posts on his second account, @fullerrrrrrrrrrr to set the tone. He pulls abstract imagery from music videos and performances, blending these visuals with his sketches and signature motifs, creating a library of ideas he builds upon as he drafts designs.
Working mainly with wovens that have some stretch, like rayon and synthetic wool blends, Fuller gravitates towards textiles with weight and structure. “I like fabrics that are thick and tacky, a little techno,” he says, highlighting how these materials give his garments a sense of form and presence. From sourcing fabric at local shops like Fleishman Fabrics to experimenting in Westphal’s fabric closet, his process is hands-on, rigorous, and rarely linear.
When asked how he hopes people feel in his clothes, Fuller envisions confident, powerful women with a sharp sense of style and identity. “Think of an international ‘nepo girl,’” he says. “Fashion-forward, unapologetically American, but with an edge.” He aims to create garments that blend subtle camp with elegance, pieces that stand out without trying too hard.
His ultimate dream? A creative director position at Moschino, where he could craft stories as playful and iconic as Jeremy Scott's. “I want to bring a new level of wit to the brand, camp that’s elevated, clever, and not just slapstick,” he explains. In his mind, Moschino represents a philosophy: fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still demands respect.
One lesson Fuller has learned from his time at Westphal is the importance of staying consistent and honoring his commitments. “In the beginning, I wasted so much time, and I ended up with nothing to show for it,” he reflects. “Fashion is a luxury, but it’s also a business; you have to know who you are and what you want, and stay tuned into that.”
For aspiring designers, his advice is simple: “Fashion is demanding. Make self-care a priority and commit to your vision. Stand by your brand identity and let it evolve with you.” Fuller’s unwavering dedication to his craft and unique fusion of tech, music, and fashion make him one to watch as he shapes the future of design, one vibrant, mechanical-sensual garment at a time.
Miles Fuller is documenting his vibrant, techno-inspired design journey and sharing the evolution of his energetic, futuristic aesthetic and brand vision on his Instagram at @_miles_fuller, @fullerofficial and @fullerrrrrrrrrr.
A Designer’s Journey in Korean-Inspired Runway Couture
Jason Trosset’s creative journey as a junior Korean American Fashion Design student has always been rooted in honoring his heritage. In nearly every project, he integrates elements of Korean culture, whether through historical garment structures, traditional silhouettes, or subtle references to the aesthetics of his heritage. “I want Korean fashion to have a bigger presence in the Western scene,” he says. “We see K-pop and Korean skincare exploding, but fashion hasn’t crossed over in the same way yet. That’s where I come in.” Trosset’s design philosophy is simple: to bring elegant, elevated Korean-inspired fashion to high-end runways.
As a menswear designer specializing in tailored evening suits and formal wear, Trosset’s work balances structure and softness, making a statement without being overly dramatic. His aesthetic draws from brands like The Row and Fear of God, with an affinity for Post Archive Faction (PAF), a Korean label known for its experimental patternmaking. “Elegant, stark, and pattern-forward,” Trosset says of his style, noting that he plans to experiment with shape and texture as his work evolves. His love for asymmetry, darts, and pleats echoes traditional Korean fashion while pushing the boundaries of tailored design.
Trosset’s love for fashion began not with clothing but with sneakers. He vividly recalls second grade when he became obsessed with footwear, particularly Nike designs. “I was a sneakerhead from day one,” he says, “reading Footwear News, dissecting the tech behind each release.” As he learned about sneaker design, he was captivated by how function and form could come together to support an athlete’s movement. Though sneaker design seemed a far-off dream, it planted the seed that later blossomed into a passion for high fashion. In high school, he shifted his focus to apparel design, and soon after, his sight was set on the runway. His biggest inspirations range from Alexander McQueen’s daring vision to the architectural silhouettes of Matthieu Blazy at Bottega Veneta. His admiration for Korean designer Dongjoon Lim and Post Archive Faction underscores his commitment to crafting clothes that challenge conventions. “Korean designers have a way of transforming patternmaking, one pattern piece, creative pleats, the whole structure just feels new,” he says.
Trosset’s design process starts with everyday shapes and textures. “I get inspiration from buildings, objects, and abstract forms rather than whole garments,” he explains. Sketching out exaggerated shapes on paper, he refines his ideas through several revisions, ensuring the final silhouette is striking and wearable. Materials are critical to Trosset’s work; he gravitates towards structured textiles like denim, leather, and merino wool, fabrics that don’t drape easily but reward him with clean lines and precise tailoring.
Like many creatives, Trosset has faced his share of challenges. His ADHD has made focusing and staying organized difficult, but he has learned to advocate for himself, seeking support from professors and staying transparent about his needs. When faced with creative blocks, he turns to Instagram and architecture to spark inspiration. He’s most drawn to modern cityscapes, notably the color contrasts and textures in urban settings, like Philly’s sunsets and industrial structures. These reflect his interest in sleek and dynamic design, an influence that traces back to his early fascination with sneakers. His passion for footwear, rooted in studying the mechanics of movement and innovative design, continues to inform his aesthetic today.
For Trosset, cultural heritage is woven throughout his design work. His recent projects explore asymmetry and boxy silhouettes, reminiscent of traditional Korean hanbok and hwahye shoes but with a high-fashion twist. His garments, often dark and devoid of excessive color, feature intricate seaming, recessed pockets, and structured silhouettes. He dreams of creating a line that feels modern yet grounded in the aesthetics of his heritage, an elevated Korean fashion that resonates on global runways. His garments are meant to be worn with pride and empowerment. Trosset envisions his future clientele as discerning individuals who value quality over mass production. “I want my work to feel timeless, something people seek out because they know the craftsmanship behind it,” he says. Aiming to create a name recognized for uncompromised quality, he plans to maintain exclusivity without branching into sub-brands.
Trosset’s advice to aspiring designers? “Stay humble and stay curious. There’s always something to learn, and you’re never the best in the room.” He believes in taking the time to understand the craft before rushing to establish a brand, a perspective shaped by his dedication to hard work and respect for the process. With an unwavering commitment to refining his skills, Trosset is poised to carve out a space in the fashion industry that pays homage to his roots while setting new standards in tailored design.
Jason Trosset is capturing his journey as he develops his aesthetic and brand identity on his Instagram @jasontrosset