Fashionably great! Montgomery native's designs make the runway

Adorr Reynolds, a Montgomery native and fashion major at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia, recently had the experience of her lifetime. 

The young fashion designer is one of 46 graduating seniors and alumni to show her collection in the university’s juried runway show and fashion showcase, SCAD FASHWKND.

It's an event that attracts industry visitors from around the world seeking the newest up-and-coming talent. Reynolds' designs were seen by the likes of J. Alexander ("America's Next Top Model") and fashion designer Derek Lam. The show's jury members included the Brock Collection’s Laura Vassar Brock and Kristopher Brock.

Reynolds, who says her designs offer a blend of femininity and power, took time to answer a few questions about her life, her work and what drew her from living in Montgomery into the world of fashion design. 

First off, tell us a little about yourself growing up in Montgomery: local school, family life, hobbies, etc.

My parents were known in Montgomery for being natural talents. My mom was a hairstylist, songstress and model, and my dad was a freelance fashion designer, barber and model. I grew up in the hair salon watching my mom create beauty and my parents always had me in fashion shows.

My parents moved our family to Houston, Texas, when I was around 8. We lived there for about six years. We ended up back in Montgomery during my high school years, where I attended Jeff Davis, and I absolutely enjoyed every moment of those days. I have a huge family, so when I came back it was almost like I never left. My grandparents and brother played a great role in my life. They helped me get where I am today. Honestly, I was raised by a village. They all mean so much to me. I was always involved with something, whether it was modeling in K.E.E.P Production fashion shows, Distinguished Gentlemen, drama club or F.a.n.c.y Dolls Club of Jeff Davis — it was always something! I’ve always been a social butterfly so clubs and organizations were my thing.

What was it that drew you into fashion design?

Fashion found me. I was always fascinated by it. As a toddler, I would try to copy fashion sketches that my dad would create. It truly became my passion when my dad bought me my first sketch book. My imagination ran wild and I would go through several books a year. I loved sketching because it was second nature to me. When I began sewing, I was around 12 or 13 years old. My dad got me a sewing machine, and I sewed my doll clothes. I loved it so much that I would cut up old clothes of mine just to have more fabric options for my dolls. They were so fashionable!

My journey to SCAD began when I was in ninth grade. I was homeschooled and was required to have a tutor. I showed her my fashion sketches one day, and she suggested I look into attending SCAD for fashion design. I researched the university, and I was dead set on attending SCAD for fashion design during my entire high school experience. When I was a senior, I went to SCAD Day and was sold. From then on, it was set in stone! I chose SCAD because I knew my resources would be limitless and my learning experience would be rewarding! 

SCAD has challenged me creatively in many ways. I grew more sophisticated as a designer throughout my four years. I truly found my aesthetic and grew my eye for design. My style was celebrated with encouragement and assurance that I was following the correct creative paths. I knew by my sophomore year during my Fashion Tech class that I was where I belonged. Seeing things go from sketch to garment is an amazing feeling! My entire journey at SCAD has been triumphant and solidifying, from winning the NBAF (National Black Arts Festival) Fine Art + Fashion competition for the design I created in my Apparel 3 class, to participating in SCAD FASHWKND. I’ve gained so many mentors, and I’m proud to be an alumna.

Describe your particular style, and what types of materials you like using?

My style is very feminine, powerful and confident. I design for the women that influence me and for the women of today. As a designer, it takes so many methods to get to the final product. I’m a mixed media type of designer. I like to create croquis sketches on the computer and further develop them by hand.

Where does the line get drawn between cutting-edge fashion and wearable function in your mind?

It’s not really a line. It’s more of a majestic marriage between the two. I love referencing classic styles while adding my new age twist. Being innovative doesn’t necessarily mean having to sacrifice practicality. It’s more so about understanding how to elevate a design just enough to be sellable yet unique and fashion forward.

At the SCAD FASHWKND, what was it like to see your creations brought to life in front of your peers? How many designs did you prepare?

SCAD FASHWKND is the most anticipated event of the year among fashion students, and it’s a tremendous honor to participate. Your looks are revealed to not only your peers at SCAD, but industry visitors worldwide. This year, Miss J. Alexander and Derek Lam attended, along with the Brock Collection’s Laura Vassar Brock and Kristopher Brock.

To see my creations brought to life was amazing! It’s an accumulation of so many things. After several months of curating, designing, planning, failing, succeeding, sacrificing and doubting, you finally get to see the ending. Your entire imagination is right before your eyes. It’s a cherished moment that will always be a frequent memory.

I made six looks in total for my collection, consisting of 15 garments. Three looks were shown in the runway show during SCAD FASHWKND.

Have you ever had your designs showcased like this before?

I had pieces featured in a fashion show over a year ago. However, SCAD FASHWKND felt different — it was a culmination of all four years of my SCAD training for that very moment. It went by too quickly! I wanted to live it a little longer.

What are your future plans?

I have great hopes of seeing my career reach exponential heights. I have always planned to head my own brand. I am extremely excited to venture into that, but I want to gain experience through other companies as well get a greater understanding of the business. My main goal is to continue to carry on my father’s legacy of design. He is the introduction to my very own fashion story. There are so many possibilities. I’m just honored to be able to follow my dreams. It’s really amazing to see them unfold right before my eyes. I’m grateful to my family, my SCAD peers and mentors, and everyone who has helped me get this far.