A quiet and different child once, Jessica Rowell grew up to become one of Colorado’s best alternative fashion and costume designers with her work being featured on major TV networks such as VH1 and several music videos. CHASSEUR questioned her about her early years, the process of her dream-like costumes and her views on the concept of `talent’.
What motivated you into getting involved with designing?
I was originally a painter, and while I enjoyed painting I don’t think it was fulfilling enough. The genre was limiting, and I wanted to do more. I found a short-term hobby in doing character work within the cosplay genre, that eventually inspired me to start creating original pieces and before I knew it I was working within the fashion industry!
Were you always the one with the most vivid imagination?
Actually no, I wasn’t. When I was younger I actually encountered quite a few learning disabilities, especially when it came to colors. I was a very quiet child, and I think that I withheld a lot inside. While the other kids played wildly imaginative games I usually sat quietly and in isolation. From as far as I can remember I’ve always been different and separate from the rest. I preferred watching and observing rather than engaging in the activities. I like to absorb and collect from my surroundings and environment, and it’s usually then released into my art, sort of an artistic analysis of what I’ve experienced or learned. My imagination isn’t played out; rather it’s expressed in an honest, brief moment of time during my creation process.
Have you ever based any of designs on your dreams and nightmares?
Never, I think some artists have the extraordinary ability to capitalize on their dreams and nightmares but mine are often psychological, drawing from the subconscious, or in relation to my current state of mind. So I use them more as a personal guide. I don’t receive extreme visuals, most often the creativity is expressed more in the settings and plots…almost like what you would expect from a twisted independent or foreign film. I think it’s rare that I ever dream of elaborate wardrobe!
Is there a story to go with every new design you’re working on?
Sometimes, I tend to think that my work is more sporadic but every now and there is a story behind what I’m creating.
Do you ever find yourself wishing you were able to visit the dream-like world your characters live in?
No, for me I feel that the world my characters are created within is lived daily. My characters are my reality and the sole purpose of my creations is to continually share my world and my imagination with others. Contrary to your question, I often wonder what it might be like to see things in a different perspective. I’m curious how the world looks to the person who lacks the qualities that I posses.
Are there any designers whose work you admire?
My favorite designers are Coleen Atwood, the late Eiko Ishioka, and the late Alexander McQueen.
Do you think that talent comes with age or you are born with it?
It really depends on the individual; however, from a personal standpoint I feel that talent is inborn but not in the literal sense, in a natural sense. Although I feel everyone is innately gifted, not everyone is aware of their urgency or pursuit in life, and furthermore very few are capable or encouraged to act upon it. For me, I found a home within the arts immediately and received early recognition within that realm as an adolescent. That part of me was self-nurtured, validated, and supported from the start. For others, I think their gift is sometimes shunned or discouraged and may not become prominent until their later years once they’ve developed the confidence and acquired the freedom to explore.
Tell us a few words about your future plans!
Right now I’m currently working diligently on breaking into the fashion field. For a while I disregarded this genre and focused more-so on producing strong characters. Now I’d like to show how my vision translates into runway and ready-wear. I’m excited to start releasing my latest, and I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised!