“You can wear whatever, be whatever, do whatever you want.”
-Christian Siriano
When someone has dreams as big as this girl, they are often found leaving those dreams behind, moving on to something that others call “more practical” – but not Tessa. This week’s campus celebrity, Tessa Silvernale is a gorgeous, thoughtful, and driven girl with an infectious smile who is always up for taking a risk. Tessa is a Costume Design student here at the College, set to graduate in 2015. With big plans to make her mark in the fashion world, Tessa is already off to a great start! Not only is she president of the Fashion Club at CofC, but Tessa has also volunteered at Charleston Fashion Week and will even be presenting some of her own designs in upcoming college productions this year.
Year of Graduation: 2015
Major: Costume Design
Hometown: born in Minnesota, raised in Roswell, GA
The Fashion Club is fairly new to campus, how would you explain it to someone who doesn’t know what the club is about?
I like to think of the Fashion Club as a creative outlet for fashionable students to express themselves and to obtain knowledge about the industry.
Your major is Costume Design, right? Have you had any of your designs featured in a production?
No, I haven’t featured any designs per say, but I have helped construct some of the costumes in Sherlock Holmes that was being played at the Woolfe Street Playhouse. I also am assistant designing for The Who’s Tommy, a musical that will be opening November 7th at the Emmett Robinson Theatre and I’m designing a piece for the dance show in the spring.
Are you planning to have a career in the fashion industry? What are your hopes for the future?
Yes, I am planning/hoping to manage runway shows or anything along those lines. I like a high pressure environment; that’s how I work best. My plan is to move to London or New York when I graduate and intern for a bit until I get my feet on the ground in the fashion world.
You volunteered at Charleston Fashion Week last Spring – what’s your favorite memory from that experience?
My favorite experience was meeting Christian Siriano and seeing his line walk the runway. I have been a fan since his season on Project Runway.
Who are your fashion icons or inspirations? (designers, celebrities, style bloggers, etc.)
My favorite designers are Chanel and Versace probably. They have lines that are crisp and timeless but edgy at the same time. Celebrity wise, I love the style of the Olsen twins and Nicole Richie. However, I admire Miley Cyrus’s bold approach to her look and how she is constantly evolving her style.
You recently took a big risk with your hair going from medium length to a short, edgy, asymmetrical cut – what would you tell other girls thinking about making a bold change with their hair but are too afraid to commit?
Yes! I recently cut my hair very, very short. I couldn’t be happier with it! My friends have been saying that I should have been born with this haircut. I would tell other girls thinking about making a drastic change to just go for it! We are young; this is the time to experiment with your look. I am all about making changes. It keeps things interesting! You never know what really works for you until you start getting bold with your style choices! And it’s only hair ladies; it will always grow back!
What’s your favorite fall trend?
Leather, leather, leather, leather. I am loving that this is in. I go for faux though! No cowhide on this gal. I also love that the trends this fall are more edgy than they have been previously.
What’s your go to outfit?
Right now I’m obsessed with coated jeans for the leather look. I have them in black and red. So throw on a pair of those, a statement shoe – usually my platform Jeffrey Campbell’s – a simple top, and chunky earrings.
Style advice?
Be daring! Clothes are the easiest and most fun way to express yourself, dressing differently than others is a good thing. Why blend in when you can stand out?