University of Fashion Blog

Posts by: Kara Laricks

Kara Laricks

Kara Laricks is a regular contributor to the University of Fashion. She’s also a New York based women's wear and accessories designer. As the first winner of NBC's Fashion Star, Kara has designed collections for H&M, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her masculine meets feminine line, Kara Laricks, debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2012 and her S/S 2013 collection sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. Kara's designs have been featured on the Today Show and HBO's True Blood as well as covered in Women's Wear Daily and on Style.com. Kara holds Master's degrees in both Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas and in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. An educator turned designer, Kara is dedicated to supporting emerging designers and inspiring others to follow where dreams lead.

New York City Garment District (7th Avenue) Video Series

- - Fashion Education, New York Garment District

Design starts with inspiration. At the University of Fashion, we want to provide you with not only technical skills, but also with history, resources and technological advancements in fabric and production to stretch your imagination and inspire you to create. We have combed (and filmed!) New York City’s Garment District on 7th avenue to bring you a variety of resources which will enhance your design aesthetic and help make your vision a reality. Read More

In the University of Fashion Studio: Filming New Lessons

- - Fashion Education, Illustration, Pattern Making, Sewing

What an exciting week at the University of Fashion – we have been in the studio filming new lessons based on the skills and information you need to succeed in the fashion industry.  As students, we know you can benefit from refresher videos currently offered by the University of Fashion, such as How to Drape a Bustier/Bodice, How to Sew a Fly Front Zipper or How to Render Leather – however, we are thrilled to introduce you to several new instructors and videos coming your way soon! Read More

A Note from Kara Laricks, University of Fashion’s Newest Blogger

- - Draping, Pattern Making, Sewing, Site News

As a former fashion design student, the first winner of NBC’s Fashion Star and as a designer living and working in New York City, I am thrilled to share my experience and expertise with the University of Fashion community. Francesca Sterlacci, founder of the University of Fashion, was once my instructor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Due to her careful guidance and endless patience, I successfully learned how to pattern and sew a pair of trousers, an a-line dress and a notched collar jacket. When Francesca shared her vision for the University of Fashion with me, I knew I wanted to be a part of her quest to give students, emerging designers and industry professionals the tools and inspiration they need to succeed in the fashion industry.

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