Meet Fashion Guru Jessica Napoli

Junior Jess Napoli is a fashionista with flair who is not only a talented writer but also a key component in Bucknell’s theatrical productions. From recently becoming an editor of Be Fashion Magazine to working in close quarters with top fashion industry professionals, Jess is pursuing her passions with full force, and it’s clear her hard work is already paying off.

Name: Jessica Napoli
Class Year: 2013
Major(s): English and Theatre
Hometown: Lloyd Harbor, NY

How did you first become involved in costume design?
After taking a few theatre classes my freshman year I wanted to learn how to sew what I was sketching. Fall of my sophomore semester I took a costume craft class which focused on construction and developing sewing skills. During the class, my professor mentioned working in the costume shop. I interviewed and was hired. 

Your costumes have been seen all over the Bucknell stages. Where do you get inspiration for your work?
For dance, I listen to the music and talk with the choreographer about his/her basic ideas about movement and mood for the piece. For theatre, I research the time period heavily after I the read the script. This allows me to get a feel for the characters and develop their personalities.
 

You recently interned for Marie Claire. What did you learn from that experience?

I learned that the fashion closet is the heart of the magazine. Samples come in and out all day long for the editors to choose from. Organization is key! I had to work at a fast pace and not make any mistakes. I also learned that asking for help is OK! The editors want to teach you along the way. They were once you, even though that’s hard to believe when they’re wearing Louboutins and Alexander Wang. Witnessing a run-thru might have been the coolest part of interning. All the top editors came in (Joanna, Nina, Zanna) to hand-pick the clothes for an upcoming shoot. They were so efficient and knowledgeable about future trends and marketing. 

Is Nina Garcia as fabulous as she seems on Project Runway?
She is intimidating for sure. She wore some pretty fabulous outfits and sky-high heels to work. I would see her in her office marking the pages of the magazine with comments and flipping through Spring 2012 look-books from designers. 

You’re also very involved with Be Fashion Magazine. Do you incorporate your runway fashion sense into your work with costume design?
I think I have a little bit more of an edgier side and I bring that to my costumes. I try to keep up with trends and runways shows. I am constantly online searching style blogs and fashion magazine websites for updates and inspiration. I like to add a contemporary flair to my costume designs without losing their original purpose. So, for example, the silhouette and build of a jacket may be more traditional for the character but adding feathers and exaggerating the shoulders takes it to another level.

Picture yourself in 5 years. Where do you hope to be?
At a magazine hopefully! I respect and admire the fashion department, but I think I picture myself on the editorial end, writing and doing features! A girl can dream :) 

Favorites:
Hangout spot on campus: Green room in Theater Department
Class taken at Bucknell: Poetry  with GC Waldrep
Freeze flavor: Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate!
Thing about Bucknell: pretty sunsets
Movie: I really love action-packed movies. Random, I know. 
Book: Classic=To Kill A Mockingbird, Recent= All the Harry Potter’s
Musician: Florence + the Machine (It’s so hard to name just one!!)

A few random facts:
I ride horses and used to show competitively
This summer I am studying abroad in Bath, UK
In high school I played soccer and ran track
I have cut my hair for Locks of Love twice, and hope to do it again soon!