When Emily Thornton (‘25) was just eight years old, she sat in front of her first sewing machine and stitched together scraps of fabric for her toys. What began as a simple childhood hobby has since evolved into a defining part of her identity. With an eye for design and a love for experimentation, Emily today sees fashion as more than just clothing — it’s her voice in a world full of noise that urges us to find who she is.
“I can’t read patterns,” Emily said. “Instead of following them, I just make my own.”
Emily develops her own approach to fashion, and in many ways, to life. Her instinctive drive to do things her way has shaped not only her creative process but also her understanding of herself. Emily’s first major project was a dress she made for her freshman year commencement — out of a bedsheet.
“Now I look back and see all these flaws,” Emily said. “But it’s so cool because it was the first piece I ever made for myself.”
That imperfect but deeply personal dress was a turning point. It was not just about making something to wear — it was about creating something that reflected her identity.
In doing so, fashion quickly became Emily’s way of self-expression. She gains inspiration from walking on the streets in her hometown, London, scrolling through social media, or collecting ideas from Pinterest. She tries to gain a better sense of what she wants from the clothes she makes, not just what other people like. Emily focuses on what makes her feel confident and unique.
Emily’s favorite recent project is a pink silk backless dress she designed for her senior portrait. It featured a bow and a tulle, encapsulating her favorite design elements, such as silk fabrics and elegant silhouettes.
“It was pink, which is my favorite color. It was silk; it was backless; it was tulle; it was just everything I love in a piece,” Emily said.
Emily also designed a stunning dark blue satin backless prom dress that perfectly captured her bold sense of style and vision. With every detail carefully chosen, it was a reflection of her confidence and her ability to create something truly unique to her fashion taste.
Of course, things don’t always work out perfectly.
“One time, I didn’t know satin only drapes on the bias. I tried to save fabric, [so I] didn’t cut diagonally, and my dress wouldn’t drape right,” Emily said.
However, Emily approaches each challenge with a mindset focused on growth and improvement.
“Mistakes teach me about the fabric, and I carry that forward to the next time,” Emily said.
For Emily, designing clothes is not just about creating something beautiful — it is about telling a story.
“Fashion design brings together creativity, inspiration, and colors in a way that creates a particular product,” Emily said. “It reflects that I’m creative, and I love that part of myself.”
Through fashion, Emily has found her way of standing out, of being heard, and of celebrating who she is. She tells her stories through the clothes she makes, expressing her personality and the things she cares about in life. Although her journey is already marked with amazing projects, Emily’s creativity is just getting started.
