2025 Designer Profile: Nadia Lessing
Nadia Lessing is a first-year Economics and Philosophy student.
The Designs
Nadia found inspiration in a striking common thread traversing the diverse range between novels, Greek mythology, and even Disney shows: “the way that femininity can be portrayed as evil.”
“I initially wanted to do it with a fantasy based look with the ocean and mermaids, but I wanted more depth to it.”
She describes her first look as “innocent” - “almost a bridal gown.“
“What sets it apart and makes it cohere to the idea of lust is how the negativity or sexualization of it is from the audience rather than how it is presented.”
The second piece is a striking contrast.
“The femme kind of black and bold statement beauty.”
Nadia’s goal: “To pair the idea of innocence and danger. I thought that was something that worked really well together. It's just the way that both lust and siren contrast thematically.”
Industry Background
She describes the rationale behind her initial interest in fashion as fairly practical.
“I think the quality of production has just really decreased or has become way more expensive. If you want to buy something that you think is really nice, it takes a chunk out of the bank.”
Nadia collected and customized vintage dresses to not only circumvent the aforementioned, but also curate a truly personalized style. “That inspired me to try out for Moda and learn more about sewing in general.”
The Design Process
“I've altered a couple shirts here and there and designed some thrifted outfits that I've had. I never really, I mean, built something from scratch. And it has been a process that I've enjoyed a lot. But I also think it is more difficult than it proves to be. I have definitely come a long way from where I was before.”
Nadia describes the experience of designing and workshopping alongside the other designers as instrumental to her artistic growth.
“I just noticed a lot of my fellow designers doing stuff that I thought was really interesting, and I wanted to expand on.”
That happened in the moment, but she also pinpointed specific skills she would like to cultivate post Moda, like crochet and beading, to expand her design repertoire.
“Whoever you look up to, or whatever you like, should kind of shape your designs for now. And then, when you go into it [the design process], I think you'll find more [inspiration] that you’ll like.
