Elizabeth Deczynski
Contributing Writer
You probably won’t find Emilie Seda shopping at drab department stores or costly boutiques. Seda is an integrated art and design major in her junior year, and creates and sews fresh, one of a kind apparel and accessories.
Like most students, Seda goes to class full time and has a part-time job, but still finds time to do what she loves the most: creating art, especially funky garments and eclectic jewelry.
“I work with a bunch of media. I’m kind of all over the place,” Seda said. “Typically, I work with digital media for school and commissions, but what I’m most passionate about is creating items like clothing, bags, and jewelry.”
Seda uses bright colors and eye-catching patterns in her work, which is intriguing because she jokes that her own wardrobe consists of many dark colors.
“I think my process just comes naturally. I don’t really think about it,” Seda said. “I always start by gathering photos and inspiration and making lots of sketches and notes. I think what has inspired me the most are colors and textures. I love creating color palettes. Of course, social media and seeing what other artists have done can also be really inspiring too.”
Seda said she prefers to use recycled materials in her work. One of her favorite pieces is a crossbody purse that resembles a coffin.
“I saw one similar to that online and wanted to create a custom one that was my own,” Seda said. “The inside of the coffin bag is made out of media boards I had bounded together. Then, I made cases for them with spandex fabric like you would for a pillow and sewed them together by hand. It holds quite a lot and is decently durable.”
Seda recalled that she first became interested in art and design at the age of five. She was especially curious about the process that went into constructing the garments she saw through fashion trends.
“I had a dance recital when I was five years old and we had a project for it. I remember my mom and I went to pick out fabrics and I kept feeling the different kinds and instantly wanted to make things,” Seda said. “I told my mom I would make her a dress one day.
At nine years old, Seda taught herself how to sew and continued the practice throughout high school, when she acquired an internship at a local fabric shop.
Under the internship, Seda said she learned more advanced sewing skills like pattern making and even learned how to dye using indigo. She also was able to take many advanced art classes like art history and studio art during her years at Pleasant Valley High School.
When she is not creating exclusive apparel, Seda said she enjoys creating outlandish cartoons, portraits, and drafting tattoos.
Seda encourages ESU student artists to always continue learning new things.
“Try to practice all of the time,” Seda said. “Seriously, you’ll improve and it’s just really important to continue learning because there is always something new to learn.”
Seda will be accepting commissions again very soon. If you are interested in having Emilie Seda turn your dream wardrobe into a reality, please reach out to her via email at eseda@live.esu.edu.
Email Elizabeth at:
edeczynski@live.esu.edu
