Drayke Larson © Blasphemina's Closet & Photosynthetique.com
Samantha Rei, a student in her mid-twenties, first heard about MCTC a few years ago when she was working at a local coffee shop and one of her co-workers told her about the College. Although Samantha had been sewing since she was 13, and creating designs for almost as long, she knew she would benefit from the Apparel Technologies program MCTC offers.
“I’ve been able to do a fashion show, learn how to order labels, and put together a fashion line,” she explains. Becoming knowledgeable in these areas has helped Samantha with the ingenious line of clothing she designs, called “Blasphemina’s Closet.” The clothes, which are in the style called Gothic Lolita, are inspired by Japanese street fashion. Samantha describes them enthusiastically as “a twist on the turn of the century Victorian era. They are elegant and decadent, not angst-ridden.” Many of the items are “demi-couture,” which means at least 60% hand-made or hand-stitched. She also designs modern, futuristic “Steam Punk” menswear for guys who want to be fancy. Through her web site, customers from all over the world have purchased her clothing.
Samantha made her first sale when she was a junior in high school. She designed prom dresses for four of her friends. After graduating, she moved from Hastings to the Twin Cities to pursue another passion of hers, comic book illustration. She studied at the College of Visual Arts, but decided not to pursue a career in this field. Nevertheless, her interest in Japanese anime can be seen in her clothing designs.
When asked about the role MCTC has played in her education, Samantha is quick to respond, “The Apparel faculty has been so supportive of my work. They are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Mark, Vicki and Peggy [the program instructors] are great resources. They are genuinely interested in all of the students. And, they are very patient! They want everyone to succeed.” Samantha has been so dedicated to her studies that she made the deans’ list last semester. Of her fellow students, she says, “They are fun and talented. There is no drama. We work together on projects and inspire each other.”
Samantha graduated from the Apparel Technologies program spring semester. Her goal is to continue to create fashion so that her customers can “live each day as though they are in wonderland.”
