^ vintage fashion
^ meet the designer Bethany Wicker: Crystal Arcade Clothing VKC: Why/when did you start designing? BW: My love for costume and fashion design sprouted inmiddle school, but I didn’t start sewing until 2011, when I startedmak- ingmy own cosplays for anime conventions. I’ve been an art kid all
Another look inspired by Victorian era men’s fashion,
my life, but found that I was a “jack of all trades, master of none”. I could draw, sculpt, and paint but couldn’t do any of themexceptionally well enough to establish an identity as an artist. I was also originally discouraged fromgoing to art school after graduating because the economy had col- lapsed andmy family and I had nomoney for college. Since childhood I knew that I either wanted to help people or do something creative for a career. So, since art school was off the table, I decided to pursue a career in public safety, and ended up getting a job as a police dispatcher and 911 operator at the age of 19. While dispatching was definitely personally fulfilling, it was incredibly stressful and it took quite a toll onmymental and physical health. Just as I was starting to doubt my career decision, I discovered cosplay— I couldn’t have asked for amore perfect distraction and stress reliever. At first I did it to takemy anime and video game fandom to the next level, but I quickly found that all my scattered art talents came together perfectly to helpme sew and designs costumes. My best friend showedme the ropes of sewing and from there I became obsessed with understanding garment designs and construction. It got to the point where I was bringing bits and pieces of my cosplays and projects to work, andmy co-workers started to take notice. When they andmy family started encourag- ingme to pursue it as a career, I decided to do whatever I could to go back to school. Once I started taking classes, I immediately became interested in fashion design, and I haven’t stopped sewing since. VKC: What inspires you? BW: I’d have to say my one of biggest inspiration is my fandoms, hands down. I’ve been playing video games and watching anime basically all my life, and since cosplay was the beginning of my love for sewing and fashion design, I definitely incorporate those aspects into my work. I also draw a lot of inspiration frommy friends, who are all very nerdy and creative. I often find myself designing a look with a specific person in mind, and end up designing an outfit for them based on their style and personality. VKC: Why Kansas City? BW: Kansas City is my hometown, and throughout my life I’ve lived all over the KCmetro area. While I really want to live in California or New York one day, I feel like I have a lot of work to do on myself first, establishing myself as a designer and growing personally.
Adelia includes an elegant silk ruffled blouse and corduroy panel suspender skirt. Adelia embodies the sophistication of aristocratic men, while also being a fun flirty modern day look for any occasion.
26 VINTAGEKC SPRING 2017
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