Graduation is rapidly approaching for seniors at Michigan State University. With many having high hopes and aspirations for the future, Martín Flores is no exception. Flores, originally from Naples, Florida, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Apparel and Textile Design. After graduating, he plans to enroll in a graduate studies program in Europe, New York or San Francisco to get his MFA in fashion design. He will then pursue his ultimate goal: starting his own international clothing line. Her Campus sat down with Flores to discuss his involvements at MSU, being the founder of Fashion Design Student Association, chasing his dreams and what is next to come.
HC: Have you always wanted to go into the fashion industry?
No. I was always interested in it, but it just seemed like an unrealistic dream. Like many students growing up, I had this idea that to be successful I had to study to become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, businessman, etc. Having parents who never graduated high school, they wanted the best for me and wanted me to succeed. This lead to learning from high school mentors, teachers and counselors that if you wanted a good life and success it would be a waste of time and money to study anything but the career paths I listed above, especially anything in the arts (including fashion).
HC: Tell us about your work here at MSU…
My work while on campus started by collaborating with two talented peers in the founding of the Fashion Design Student Association (FDSA) in fall 2011. Student Director of MSU’s Apparel and Textile Design Fashion Show on March 24th, 2013. I have participated in several international, national and campus fashion exhibitions and shows. I work closely with Dr. Thèrèsa Winge as a research assistant in fashion design methods. I’ve also been lucky enough to participate in a creative branding workshop at Shanghai University in Shanghai, China.
HC: What is your main interest within the realm of fashion?
My main interest in the realm of fashion is designing. I want to become a designer with my own label that is recognized internationally. Why not shoot for something crazy?
HC: How has MSU prepared you for a future in designing in the fashion industry?
MSU has prepared me in designing and for the fashion industry by having the right educators within its program (such as Dr. Winge and Rebecca Schuiling). Both have industry experience and have taught me the importance of learning my own creative process, how to conduct fashion research, and overall how the industry works.
HC: Tell us a little about the Fashion Design Student Association (FDSA) and why you started it?
The Fashion Design Student Association started with a common realization between Amanda McFee, Stephanie Gupta and I–it is difficult to break into the Fashion Industry without any connections or a network. It is just like any other industry out there for any other major. But, unlike other major on campus, Apparel and Textile Design students (MSU’s fashion design majors) do not have industry leaders coming to campus trying to recruit us, not for jobs nor internships:his is what FDSA is here for. Not only do the founders want to succeed, but we want other students, current and future, to succeed as well. I believe that FDSA members will be some of the strongest and most prepared ATD students coming out of MSU. In FDSA, we teach and pass on skills that could help any student interested in entering the fashion world. Students will also have a network of FDSA alumni that they could contact for help. I want to be able to give back to FDSA in forms of internships and possible career opportunities once I am in the industry. I hope that FDSA is on campus for many years to come. As students move up as alumni, taking their career paths, they remember how FDSA helped them as student and give back to the organization.
HC: So, what are your plans for after you graduate?
My plans after graduation are to attend graduate school either in Europe, New York or San Francisco and get my MFA in fashion design. Upon graduating from graduate school, I would like to work for a large internal label before starting my own.
HC: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself working for my international brand and telling people my story!
So, all you fashionistas out there keep following your dreams of entering the fashion world and be on the look out for this new label in the future!
Photo Credit: Amanda McFee