Behind the Seams
Of the BKLYN Fashion Academy
Our candid insights can help anyone considering this opportunity and, who knows, it could be the catalyst for your own design career.
The Journey Begins with Doubt
Our profiles on the BKLYN Fashion Academy webpage reflect a great diversity—in age, backgrounds, careers, styles, and personal experiences. Gia balancing family life while facing critical voices, Regina steadily pursuing a career change into fashion, Ronen following his artistic curiosity and I beginning as a refashion amateur. Yet, we all wrestled with the same insecurities: Can I really do this? Am I good enough? Do I belong here? In the end, those doubts became the very foundation of our growth through BFA’s demanding but transformative journey.
Designer Profiles
Gia: Pursuing Fashion Design Dreams While Balancing Family & Critics
“I had people tell me I wasn’t talented enough to be a designer,” Gia confides. Despite having a degree in fashion, she spent a year planning before applying to BFA—carefully mapping out her family responsibilities (two children, four dogs, and a husband) to make time for the program. “If I can’t invest 100% into something, I’d rather not do it. I didn’t want regrets, and I wanted to give it my best shot.” Her persistence paid off when her mother—once her biggest critic—praised her runway show, a moment that affirmed her efforts and proved that self-belief can overcome past setbacks.
Regina: A Transition into Fashion, Six Years in the Making
Regina first learned about the BFA six years ago but felt unprepared:"I didn’t know how to sew, sketch, or design". Even after taking classes to build these skills, self-doubt lingered. “I wasn’t sure my designs were strong enough,” she admitted. When friends and family urged her to apply anyway—’You have nothing to lose!’—she submitted her application at the deadline. This leap turned her long-held dream into concrete steps toward launching her own brand.
Ronen: An Artist’s Curiosity Leads to Fashion
Ronen, a visual artist, discovered the BFA by chance through an email in a rarely-checked inbox. Curious, he attended an info session and applied on a whim, attracted to working with textiles three-dimensionally.
He laughs, “I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought it would be skill-building workshops—just lessons on fashion and garment-making.” Although he was comfortable using sewing machines for flat projects, he assumed his lack of formal training would disqualify him.
To his surprise, being accepted into the program expanded his artistic boundaries and opened new possibilities in fashion design.
Rose: A Refashion Amateur Finding Her Way
I started refashioning clothes during COVID lockdown as a creative outlet. After months of slow, self-taught progress, I felt stuck—until my sister shared an Instagram post about the BFA. With just two reworked pieces to my name, I applied on the deadline, doubting I was ready. The program changed that—by runway day, I’d gone from fearing my sewing machine’s speed pedal to confidently presenting three emergency services-inspired designs to a live audience.
Having shared from where we started, the fun part is next, our designer personas and original visions!
Envisioning Women in Future Industries
Each of us translated personal values into a vision of women’s future roles. Gia envisioned self-sustaining technology that empowers the next generation. Regina created polished, conservative looks for women in finance. Ronen reinterpreted legal wear as a statement of social justice. And, my own designs focused on the strength and bravery of women in emergency services.
A Self-Sustaining Future
“More importantly, I want to design for women in a way that brings them joy. I design for myself, but if my client isn’t happy, then I’ve failed.” - Gia
Conservative Elegance for the Executive Woman
“I’ve always wanted to design for powerful, professional women. Our assignment was to create a vision for women in 2044, but I concentrated on future business attire. It was a dream to be selected and create a mini-collection on this theme.” -Regina
Her brand, Reserved Wear, continues this vision, empowering women in corporate roles with sophistication and personality.
Fashion as Social Commentary
Not only that, Ronen sees fashion as a platform for dialogue on and off runways.
“Runways already have an audience and excitement—why not use that space to engage meaningfully? I view it as a form of public art, whether on the runway or on the street, where people wearing my designs make a statement beyond the conventional spaces for art and social commentary.” -Ronen
Fashion design has deepened his commitment to social justice, offering a new expressive medium blending aesthetics with activism.
Strength & Bravery for the Everywoman
Creating this collection strengthened my overall approach to design. I aim to redefine fashion beyond luxury brands and celebrity culture, focusing on fit, durability and individuality. Slow, repurposed designs that tell stories of conscious consumption. The BFA’s sample development and sustainability classes have inspired me to explore these aspects further.
With our visions in place, we now set to turn our designs into runway-ready garments—the hard part.
Embracing the Struggle
This program is not for the faint of heart. It pushed us to our limits, testing our skills, time management, and emotional strength. While taking our designs from concept to creation was a demanding journey, these challenges led us to become more resilient and skillful designers. The journey revealed the true power of persistence—proving that success comes not from avoiding struggles but from embracing them head-on.
The Weight of Creative Pressure
When discussing creative roadblocks—those moments when patterns don’t line up or materials run short—Gia offered a simple strategy:
“I allow them to happen and give myself grace. We’re not machines. If I hit a block, I take it as a sign to rest. I step away, play video games, or watch tutorials. Learning something new helps me reset.” -Gia
While Gia found stepping back essential to creativity, I struggled to let go—and in hindsight regret not adopting her approach. My pursuit of perfection left me drained by runway day. We were all ‘running on fumes,’ as Gia put it, pouring ourselves completely into our designs. Regina captured this intensity:
“This was my first mini collection—designed, sketched, and constructed entirely by me. We couldn’t seek outside help… there were days when I wanted to quit. Balancing work, family, and this program was overwhelming.” -Regina
Learning to Give Ourselves Grace
Throughout the program, giving ourselves grace became a shared mantra. For Regina, creating her first mini collection while juggling work and family required adjusting expectations without losing sight of her vision. Alhough we worked independently, a community of mentors, fellow designers, and loved ones supported us throughout. For Regina, they were her anchor:
“They kept me going. I kept thinking, ‘I can’t do this,’ but their encouragement made me learn to give myself grace. I was hard on myself, but tried to ease up as the deadline approached.” - Regina
Like Regina, this was also my first mini collection, and the balancing act—and sacrifices—were very real. My struggle with perfectionism taught me my limits. I took on too much and barely finished by runway day—a tough but valuable lesson in setting realistic expectations.
The Runway: Pressure and Promise
The runway show—our end goal—was both exciting and daunting. We all questioned whether we could pull it off, yet that uncertainty drove us forward. As Ronen explained:
“There’s a feeling that something exciting is waiting at the end, like a prize. The timeline is tight, the pressure intense, and the workload overwhelming—there’s fear of missing out, but also deep determination not to fail.” -Ronen
Even at our breaking points, we pushed through to create pieces we were proud of.
Regina spent hours perfecting plaid pattern matching for her tailored jacket and box shorts—a powerful, modern look for executive women.
Gia managed to balance family responsibilities with the painstaking process of collecting discarded CDs, experimenting with cutting techniques to prevent cracking, and individually hand-sewing hundreds of iridescent pieces to create her “Solaris” look that captured light from every angle.
Ronen, who had never sewn garments before, created intricate horizontal pleats throughout his purple ensemble—a dramatic silhouette that challenged Western fashion conventions while honoring Indigenous and African aesthetics.
Despite not completing my fourth look, I made it to the show with three emergency services-inspired designs that turned firefighter gear into street-ready fashion. High-visibility tape and reflective accents gave my navy jacket an urban edge that celebrated women’s strength in protective roles. Walking the runway alongside models in my designs was exhilarating—a reminder of what’s possible when we face our doubts and embrace the work.
Runway Finale Gallery
Here are scenes of each our mini-collections. The runway finale was just but a moment, but months of hard work and determination went into each of our designs.
Gia Zhao
Regina Spann
Ronen Gamil
Rose Martinez
The Power of Persistence
This perfectly captured our BFA experience. We all faced real doubts—Regina and I wished for more practice, Gia worked to prove critics wrong, and Ronen recalled a panelist questioning whether he could even make a T-shirt. Yet we delivered. As Ronen put it: “There’s an element of risk. You don’t know if it’s going to work, and then it does and it’s like winning the lottery.”
Godin’s insight proved true: “Skill is rarer than talent. Skill is earned. Skill is available to anyone who cares enough.” The BFA journey wasn’t about avoiding struggle—it was about embracing it to grow beyond what we thought possible.
Program Reflections
Gia explained how the experience reshaped her self-perception:
“It gave me confidence—not just in the process of designing but in seeing my work validated at the end. Even though the audience was mostly there for support, having people look at what I created made me feel seen. I don’t know if they actually thought my designs were good, but the fact that they engaged with my work meant a lot.” – Gia
She added:
“Not everyone can be like Rick Owens,designing purely for themselves. He once said he doesn’t care about an audience, but most of us need validation to some degree.” – Gia
I agree—the runway is powerful. It’s where our collections come to life, where the audience engages with our vision, and where our work truly becomes professional.
Regina shares how the experience reshaped her ambitions:
“Before the show, I wasn’t sure I could do this, even after sewing classes. I didn’t know where I fit in the fashion industry. Now, after completing the program, I know I want to push forward and see how far I can go. Showing my work on the runway opened the door for me, and the positive reception has motivated me to start my own line—even if it’s just a small collection.” – Regina
For many BFA participants, presenting a collection on the runway—and realizing it could spark a brand—is the ultimate dream. The program instills confidence that propels us to keep pursuing our goals—an outcome beyond measure.
Ronen, who had never sewn a garment before, expressed his awe at what he accomplished:
“Wow, I can actually do this. It felt almost magical, especially for someone like me, with no prior experience. It was uplifting and empowering. I didn’t know what to expect, but all the excitement and hype made it positive. That said, the pressure of having to create something presentable definitely pushes you to grow.” – Ronen
For designers like Ronen and me, learning and applying new techniques all at once was daunting. Yet seeing our designs on the runway, finished and real, was magical and worth it.
Before the program, I sewed just for myself with no real deadlines—what Seth Godin calls not being ‘on the hook.’ Four months later, I’d conquered my fear of the sewing machine and put three designs on the runway. The program’s power lies in creating genuine accountability: when you’re truly committed to a deadline, you discover capabilities you never knew you had.
Program Review
Realities & Opportunities for Growth
Our 2024 cohort delivered an impressive runway show. We are deeply grateful to the staff, supporters, and funders who made the experience possible. We share these suggestions to support future cohorts and ongoing program growth: clearer project timelines, upfront and honest workload expectations, more structured teaching support, and expanded mentorship beyond our single (though excellent) mentor Ben Mach. These changes would help future designers better navigate the program’s intensity.
Improving Structure and Planning
“The program gave us a false sense of security until we were suddenly out of time,” I told fellow designers—a concern echoed by others. Gia reflected: “We needed a clear timeline and more accountability. Advice to multiply time estimates helped, but structured deadlines would have made runway preparation less stressful.”
While we valued the hands-on, self-driven approach, a structured calendar with deadlines before the runway could have eased pressure. With the program running from May to September, I suggest finishing one garment—or one major construction step—each month. Assigning models and sizes in advance would also remove a major source of stress.
Setting Clear Expectations
Ronen suggested the program be more transparent about workload and the balance between instruction and self-driven learning. He explained: “They didn’t really warn us about just how intense it would be. They should be upfront—this isn’t a comprehensive sewing course. Before accepting people, explain exactly what will and won’t be taught.”
Navigating Self-Directed Learning
The program focused more on problem-solving than formal instruction—surprising many of us who expected structured guidance. Ronen and I had anticipated more teaching, especially since the program description mentioned advanced sewing techniques. Instead, “we had to figure out a lot on our own,” Ronen recalled. “Our mentor would give us a push in the right direction, but the rest was up to us.”
We filled knowledge gaps through YouTube tutorials and library books, with mixed results. Our cohort created an informal WhatsApp support network, sharing resources and troubleshooting together.
Ronen felt that more structured guidance could benefit beginners: “My biggest challenge was not knowing the fundamentals. Learning from random YouTube videos and books was tough. Since the program only requires basic sewing skills, not a fashion degree, it should provide more foundational instruction.”
More Mentorship Support
Regina proposed that personalized, one-on-one mentorship could make a significant difference. During the program, we relied solely on Ben Mach—former Project Runway all star—who supported us during sessions and on WhatsApp. For a group of up to 20 participants, one mentor felt insufficient. I agree with Regina: more personalized mentorship could have accelerated our growth and built lasting relationships to guide our careers beyond the program.
The Runway is the End Game
The runway show was undeniably the program’s centerpiece, creating both excitement and pressure. Ronen reflected on its production value:
“I’m not sure how intentional it is on the part of the administrators and organizers, but there’s a certain sense of glamour surrounding the show—CBS covering the story, the audience turnout, and the expectation of press being there. I didn’t expect it to be as grand and well-produced as it was—the music, the lights, the runway.”
The library hall’s transformation from a reference desk and patron sitting area into a professional runway venue was remarkable. Yet he questioned whether this focus serves all designers: “I don’t know how typical this kind of show is in the fashion industry. For garment makers, runway shows aren’t always central, but in this program, the show is a big focus.” The emphasis on designer-as-star particularly unsettled him: “There’s this idea of the designer on a pedestal, and while that appeals to some, I wasn’t prepared for walking the runway myself. I was thinking, ‘Why do I have to do this?’”
Despite these concerns, when I asked if the show was worth it, Ronen replied, “Absolutely, but it’s important to remember that fashion isn’t just about runway shows. There are many ways to build a small business without them.”
I had mixed feelings about the show. While I felt dissatisfied with my presentation and overwhelmed by the timeline, I realized afterward that the show was never the point—the growth was. The months of learning, problem-solving, and pushing my limits were the real reward. As Gia put it: “Even as artists, what’s the point of creating if no one sees it? Yes, there will be judgment—but feedback is valuable.”
Round-up Advice
To Future BKLYN Fashion Academy Participants
If you’re considering applying, here’s our collective wisdom:
Apply!
Regina encourages to push past your doubts: “You never know what can happen. Put your best foot forward. I almost didn’t apply—I submitted mine just hours before the deadline, convinced they wouldn’t pick me.”
Don’t Be Afraid
Gia urges you to design with boldness: “Design to your heart’s content—this is your moment to shine. Your ideas and craftsmanship deserve an audience. I wish the people who dropped out had stuck with it. It’s not just about showcasing your work; it’s about proving to yourself that you can do it.”
Ronen echoes this by advising aspiring BFA designers to fully commit: “Engage deeply, and you’ll learn a lot. The potential for artistic and personal growth is immense. Don’t give up when it gets tough, even make sacrifices, it’s worth it.”
Manage Your Time Wisely
Both Ronen and Gia also stress the importance of time management: “Start early on your garments. Don’t wait. Whenever you think you have time, assume you don’t. Everything takes longer than you expect,” Ronen shares. Gia recommends learning to pace yourself because “the deadlines will sneak up on you”.
Ronen adds, “I would go as far and say to not follow the provided calendar and timeline. Whatever deadline they provide leading up to the show, move it up by three weeks.”
Be Kind to Yourself
My advice to future participants is to learn to adapt and be smart about balancing your vision with the time you have. I wish I had simplified my designs, started earlier, and allowed more time to test new sewing techniques. I was attempting 3-4 new techniques for the first time, which meant a lot of self-teaching, seam ripping, and trying again.
While the runway show itself wasn’t at the forefront of my personal journey, it served as a mechanism for what Seth Godin calls “being on the hook"—creating that essential deadline that drives progress and ensuring that every ounce of effort contributed to real growth.
Above all, remember to give yourself grace. While it is a lot of hard work, you shouldn’t be hard on yourself. Be extra kind instead throughout the process. In the end, you’ll be extremely proud of the incredible work that you made.
My final piece of advice is to be clear about why you’re doing this. It’s easy to get swept away and lose sight of why you decided to embark on this journey. Keeping your purpose in mind can offer peace of mind and make it easier to grant yourself the grace you deserve when things get tough.
Final Thoughts
The BFA program has been a catalyst for our future plans and aspirations. For Gigi and Regina, it has equipped them with the skills and confidence to pursue fashion design professionally. Gigi aims to create clothing that brings joy to her clients, while Regina is taking concrete steps towards launching her own line, starting with a single design. Ronen has discovered a new passion at the intersection of art, design, and social commentary. He plans to explore performance art, soft sculpture, and fashion as potential income streams, all while continuing to refine his skills. When I applied, I was in the middle of refashioning my entire wardrobe. I’m returning to that project and exploring ways to leverage my background in data analytics alongside my interest in refashioning. Stay tuned!
The BFA experience has been a transformative journey for us. I hope that by sharing our experiences in this round-up, we can inspire others to take the leap and to commit to their own creative adventures despite challenges. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to push your creative boundaries and business opportunities, the BFA is a great stepping stone.
As Seth Godin wisely says, “Let’s call it art. The human act of doing something that might not work, something generous, something that will make a difference. Your art matters.” And to all future BKLYN Fashion Academy participants,
“You have everything you need to make magic. Go make a ruckus.” -Godin
Photography Credits: Profile portraits and event photography by Gregg Richards, Brooklyn Public Library Staff Photographer. Website screenshots, cover photo and canvas photos were taken by me.
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