Update: Did I Make the Cut for the CLT Fashion Show?

Who is excited for my update?! I wish I were celebrating landing my first designer spot in a fashion show, but unfortunately, I was not chosen. As I mentioned before, the theme for this local show was “Costume Art of the Female Body.” My interpretation was to design a corset and pants set made from a custom vintage blanket featuring the G.O.A.T. female athletes. In my opinion, these athletes embody the strength of the female body more than any other design could.

I know my design was a stretch for a secular show. My vision was modest and did not sexualize the feminine body, while I assume much of the other costume art likely will. The organizers were very kind and invited me to attend the show for free, which I plan to do. However, I have decided that I am still making these blanket pants to wear to NYFW in September. I have attached the blanket design here. Do you agree with the athletes and coaches I chose?

How to Create After a “No”:

I figured the greatest message to share with you after a rejection is how to endure in your craft even when you get a “no.” We find the strength to keep going when we look at what scripture says about our creativity.

1. We are made to create. God created us in His own image, which means we are designed to be creative just like Him.

We see this in Genesis 1:27:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

2. The Holy Spirit is our inspiration. The Holy Spirit continues to inspire us and give us the capability to create for His glory.

We see this in Exodus 35:31-32 when God filled Bezalel:

“And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze.”

3. You are His handiwork. We are the Lord’s handiwork that Christ died for. We must keep bringing Him glory even after a rejection.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us:

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

4. Work for the Lord, not for man. When we work with our hands, it should be for the Lord. If man does not approve of our work, that rejection should not crush us.

Colossians 3:23 says:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

5. Creativity is a partnership. God invites us into a partnership of creativity.

We see this in the beginning in Genesis 2:19:

“Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.”

6. Use your specific gifts. We are encouraged to use our gifts rather than just holding onto them. Included in those gifts is the ability to create.

Romans 12:6 reminds us:

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”

Let your creativity be your worship. Praise Him even for the rejections, because you still got to partner with Him and enjoy the ideas He graced you with. I still freely get to bring this idea to life. I get to sew and worship, thanking God for the ability to work with my hands.

Do everything in excellence for the Lord. He is your audience of one. Do not give up. The world does that. As Mama OB says often, “It is easy to be great in a world that doesn’t try, so just try.”

Love you all, and thank you for taking part in this journey with me. I want to share the wins and the rejections with you always.