Holmes fashions artistic outlet through costume design

Senior Melia Holmes has thrived in the art and fashion departments during her time at West. The art department has given Holmes a place to be her authentic self. 

“I love how creative I am allowed to be,” she said. “I am able to express myself through what I make.” 

Art has been a part of Holmes’ life ever since she was young. This creative outlet has guided her from an early age, but fashion is what intrigued her the most. 

“I used to draw and go see musicals and plays with my family all the time,” she said. “The one thing that caught my attention the most were the costumes and how much work was put into them.” 

From then on Holmes has made design a big part of her life. She has won a contest for a dress she had made, and she has been designing costumes for school plays like Antigone and One Stoplight Town, and now she is one of the head fashion designers for the upcoming fashion show this spring. 

“This is going to be a big opportunity for me,” she said. “I have so much creative freedom.” 

These opportunities can continue even after high school. Fashion and interior design teacher Julie Hietpas has some insight on what the fashion industry offers after high school.

“There are a lot of opportunities in the fashion and design industry as a whole,” she said. “From set and home design to costume design, there are few limits in the industry right now.”

Holmes is not new to theater costume design. Being involved behind the scenes in different productions has expanded Holmes’ interest even more. 

“Antigone was so much fun,” she said. “I made so many friends and working backstage was as memorable as it would have been on stage.” 

Holmes has set many goals for her future.

“I want to someday become a fashion designer,” she said. “I hope to be a costume designer for movies or shows, or even design something for celebrities.” 

Holmes doesn’t have a specific process when she is creating. For her, inspiration comes randomly.

“Most of the time, I just make what I feel,” she said. “The ideas come to my mind, and I just get to work.” 

Though her responsibilities in this field can be stressful, it doesn’t affect Holmes the way it would mentally impact most others. 

“Although most of the things I make are for school or an activity it does not feel like an obligation to me,” she said. “It’s just fun and something that makes me happy.”

By Erin Fox

March 18 2022

Volume 118 Issue VI