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Designing With Purpose: A Fashion Journey Shaped by Creativity, Confidence, and Community 

For as long as Morgan McDermott can remember, fashion has been more than clothing, it has been a daily ritual of self-expression. “Everyone in the world wakes up and chooses what to wear,” she says. “I love that fashion is a universal choice, and I want something I made to be someone’s choice.” That simple but powerful idea sparked a lifelong passion that has guided this Honors College student from childhood creativity to a flourishing future in fashion design. 

Finding the Right Fit at ������ 

When it came time to choose a college, she knew she wanted an elite fashion design program, but she also craved the classic college experience. ������ was the first campus she toured, and nothing else quite matched the spark she felt walking through it. 

She was drawn in by the world-renowned School of Fashion, its amazing study-abroad options, and the Honors College’s intimate, discussion-based courses that helped ease the transition from out-of-state student to confident freshman. “I loved the personalized setting of the honors classes. They helped me immerse myself in the material and really interact with other students.” 

A Signature Style Inspired by the Past 

Her design aesthetic is rooted in the boldness of past eras, especially the mod subculture of the 1960s and the vibrant freedom of the 1970s. Morgan said she gravitates toward A-line babydoll silhouettes, bright colors, and playful patterns, creating pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh. While imagination fuels her creativity, she embraces the challenge of bridging artistic expression and wearability. “There’s always a balance between functionality and wildest imagination,” she explains. “It’s easier to start big and then refine ideas for your target market.” 

Breaking Into the Industry: A New York Summer 

Morgan’s carefully honed skills led her to an ambitious goal: an internship with Aerie in New York City. She applied while studying abroad in Florence, and the hiring team quickly recognized her talent. After completing a full design project, including a mood board, sketches, technical flats, and a four-look collection, she advanced through interviews and ultimately earned a coveted spot. Working in NYC immersed her in every corner of the corporate fashion world. No two days were the same. She attended meetings with cross-functional teams, sat in on fittings, created technical flats, built tech packs, evaluated trims, and contributed to sample approvals. The experience gave her a firsthand look at the collaborative nature of design. “There is a lot to be done, and having a great team is crucial,” Morgan says. “Working together is everything.” 

The internship didn’t just build skills; it clarified her future. “I loved being able to make meaningful design decisions for a large company where I could see the impact. Designing for a demographic that’s close to my age lets me bring a perspective that comes straight from the source.” 

Interpreting Dali: A Surrealist Challenge 

Another monumental milestone of her design journey came from an unexpected place: Salvador Dali. Selected to participate in the “Dali Beyond Time” exhibit, with displays in both Hudson and New York City, she created a piece titled Distortion. The piece is a striking exploration of contradiction, imbalance, and artistic tension. 

The project required extensive research into Dali’s life and artistic psyche. Morgan sketched around 60 different looks before narrowing them down with her professor’s guidance. The final piece drew on Dali’s juxtaposition of solid fields of color, delicate linework, soft organic shapes, and harsh structural forms. Through an intentionally unbalanced silhouette and tailored elements inspired by Dali’s collaboration with menswear brand Scabal, she crafted a garment that embodies chaos and cohesion coexisting in one bold statement. Seeing her work displayed in two galleries was nothing short of surreal. “It made me incredibly proud,” she reflects. “It’s an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” 

Growing With the Honors College

Morgan’s academic journey has been shaped deeply by her Honors College experiences. Honors projects pushed her to become a stronger collaborator and leader, skills essential in the fashion industry, where no design reaches completion alone. The support from professors and advisors became a steady anchor throughout her undergraduate career. “The Honors College has been there every step of the way. I’m very grateful for all the extra care they’ve shown me.” 

Looking Ahead: Designing for Impact 

As graduation approaches, Morgan’s goals are focused and clear. She hopes to continue working for a corporate fashion company, ideally one like Aerie, where creativity, culture, and teamwork come together seamlessly. Her internship and exhibit experiences have reaffirmed her passion for designing with purpose and creating pieces that shape the everyday choices of real people.  

Of all her accomplishments so far, one moment stands above the rest: being chosen for the Dali exhibit. It represents not only her talent but her commitment to exploring what fashion can be, unexpected, expressive, and beautifully unbalanced. Morgan’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: she’s designing a future as bold and thoughtful as her work.