SAN FRANCISCO – Heading in, the year 2020 was going to be about the culmination of two intricate senior thesis projects for Academy of Art women's soccer and School of Fashion alumni Alice Michell and Makayla Godden. But when the global pandemic known as COVID-19 unsuspectingly hit and both were forced to immediately collect their materials and work remotely, doubts about completing the designs began to creep in. Nevertheless, much like the thrill of a come-from-behind victory on a goal in the waning minutes of a soccer match, Michell and Godden both persevered and eventually scored wins through innovative adaptations literally in their own back yard.

Significantly influenced by her identity as a student-athlete, Michell's thesis was driven by both her creative and competitive sides. Employing CLO3D, a three-dimensional garment visualization technology, the native of Saint Paul, Minn. would ultimately combine elements of her personality for a one-of-a-kind series. After examining her own lineage, Michell found herself blending a variety of monochromatic looks conjuring images of European countries and their flags with particular utilization of the corset all to design stylistic sportswear.

"My inspiration is rooted in fashion history, looking into my European ancestry," said Michell. "I experimented with the stripes found from the flags with layering the abstract shapes found from the outlines of countries in different scales and colors. I also found myself mesmerized by traditional European gowns of the 15th and 16th centuries. The corset, with its elements of protection and strength, particularly captivated me. I worked to modernize the exaggerated silhouettes and the corset by making it less restrictive by using performance fabrics. I used stitches, trims, and exaggerated silhouettes often found in sportswear as well. The end result is a collection rooted in luxury sportswear with a unique twist."
 
For Godden, a textile designer "drawn to unusual, imperfect shapes," her senior collection would be shared with fashion designer Bitao Zhu and tapped into the nostalgia for Japanese arcade games. Collaborating on six outfits, Godden was tasked with creating the textiles (prints) of each outfit, drawing from a color palette and abstract shapes patterned with the buttons of the games and lights in mind.

"Our inspiration were Japanese arcade games and how they reminded us of our childhood," said Godden. "It's about how even though we're adults now, we can still be kids and enjoy each day to the fullest. We wanted to bring the feel of happiness, fun, and being confident in your skin to the look of each piece in the collection."

Into the final months of Michell and Godden's production, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted the playing field. Though pursuing different projects, the pair of roommates found their fates inevitably linked. Departing a small San Francisco apartment, they transported their entire process to Godden's hometown of Clovis, Calif. where her family graciously helped them embrace the challenge.

"It has been a crazy time," said Michell. "In a matter of two days, our university shut down and all of the senior designers had one day to prepare and move a year's worth of work and supplies from the building. The following day we got word that the whole city of San Francisco was shutting down. Next thing I know I am moving once again. In the beginning, it all felt surreal. For the past two and a half months I have been in Clovis living with my roommate's family, who have been exceedingly supportive."

Transforming a large balcony into a sewing station, Michell set up a large table with her sewing machine, serger, and ironing board. She proceeded to cut and sew her entire collection on that balcony before returning to San Francisco for the final photographic elements. Meanwhile, Godden instilled her family's help to assist in the construction of screen printing materials from scratch. She, too, was able to finish as both ended up with exquisite displays under the Fashion department's section of the prestigious end-of-year Spring Show.

"I created my own screen (with help of my whole family) to screen print the rest of my collection in my backyard and garage," said Godden. "I had to create everything by hand and each fabric piece one by one. It was very challenging and I had some days where I wanted to give up, but I pushed through with help from my professors, family, and friends and am really glad I did."

A three-time Academic All-PacWest honoree over the course of her collegiate soccer career, Michell's name remains among the program's top 10 in career points, goals, and assists. But beyond the accolades and her final match in 2018, the sport's competitive mentality remains vibrant in her daily routine.

"I grew up playing soccer and it's been a part of me my whole life," said Michell. "The competition, desire for perfection, and constant drive to push oneself to be better - all qualities that soccer demands - have shaped who I am today. Although my college soccer career is done, I still maintain the same sense of competition and drive. It's this mindset I applied to my senior thesis collection - to bring my two passions of soccer and fashion design to life."

Transferring to Academy of Art in 2015 after playing soccer for two years at Fresno City College, Godden found herself serving as a strong and hard-working contributor to the Urban Knights' defensive presence while bringing incredible personality to the team. Highlighting a senior campaign that saw her compete in all but two matches, she ironically received Michell's pass before scoring her lone ART U goal in a Pacific West Conference victory over Chaminade in 2016.

"Soccer really was everything for me," said Godden. "It taught me way more than how to kick a ball. It taught me to keep going when I'd get knocked down and that played out in finishing up my collection as a designer. Being a student-athlete taught me to be positive and to know I can get through any hard time."

When thinking about her experience as a student-athlete, Michell fondly remembers the lasting impact of her team and the value of collaboration. In her most recent effort to photograph her collection, she was in need of a photographer, stylist, make-up artist, and model. Fortunately, Michell did not have to look far as her multi-talented teammates were ready and willing to help their fellow Urban Knight.

"Coming in as an incoming freshmen is very exciting and overwhelming," said Michell. "A new city, dorms, classes, and training can feel like a lot. But being on a team completely changes your experience at Academy of Art for the better. Every day you are surrounded with people who share the same passions and schedule as you. Your teammates have been around for two to four years now so they can support you with advice with classes and show you around the city with social life as well. Though some of your teammates may not be in the same department as you, you can always collaborate."

On the topic of the School of Fashion Design, Michell's words of wisdom to someone just starting out highlight a determined attitude as well as the department's award-winning faculty such as Executive Director Simon Ungless, an industry legend who designed with Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and Versace.

"Specifically my advice for incoming freshmen majoring in Fashion Design is that, if you are passionate and committed to your classes and the work you are doing, you will succeed," said Michell. "The design, drawing, and sewing classes may seem difficult in the beginning, but they all put you on the right path to being the best designer you can be. All the instructors in the Fashion department are extremely talented and really care about their students' growth and success. Don't be afraid to reach out to me if you have any further questions about the department or need any advice."

In the face of uncertainty, Godden's advice to aspiring designers comes down to three powerful words.

"Just keep going," said Godden. 'Know that you're not going to have everything figured out and that's the fun part. Know that challenges make you stronger and that this is an amazing time of your life to learn and enjoy life."

Now entering a workforce in an unprecedented time, Michell has begun by focusing on freelancing as a CLO3D designer, promoting the unique software that she has mastered at Academy of Art. In addition to working on different design competitions this summer, Michell would like to travel when again possible and further her work along the way.
 
"I hope that the fashion industry takes this time to adapt into a more sustainable future," said Michell. "Brands and consumers adapting to a 'sustainability first' mentality will push our industry in the right direction. We are going through a massive digital transition as a result of the advent of social media. It has been pushed into overdrive due to the global pandemic. By utilizing programs like CLO3D, it is progressing the industry into a sustainable future. I hope to be a part of this digital, sustainable fashion revolution."

Currently underway in the first post-college chapter of her life, Godden has already begun applying her designs to facemasks among numerous other materials and will continue to draw upon the mentality that has helped her thrive as both an artist and as an athlete.

"All I know is that I can only control what I can control," said Godden. "I am still living in San Francisco and will be working on building up my own brand, while searching for a job in the industry. There is change happening now. The world will always need clothes and a great message behind them as well. I will keep my head up and keep working towards getting a job in the industry as well as learning each day to become an even better designer than yesterday."

For more on the two designers Simon Ungless said give him "hope for the future of this industry," check out their respective profile pages (Michell, Godden) in the 2020 Spring Show!