By Mailan Nguyen
Circulation Editor
Art isn’t always created on paper. Costa senior Harley Bellew uses clothing as his canvas and as an outlet to his creativity.
Since sophomore year, Bellew has created over twenty items of clothing ranging from tee shirts to lingerie. Bellew learned how to make the clothing after attending classes at SCROC, the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC).
Learn more about the Southern California Regional Occupational Center.
“I’ve been doing and making art since I was little so around sophomore year I wanted to have my art on clothing rather than having it just on a piece of paper,” Bellew said. “Even as a child, I channeled my emotions into art, if I was sad I would take that energy and make it into something good.”
Bellew began making clothing in his free time as a way to express himself. He has found interest in creating clothing that is not only for himself, but clothing that can be seen as art for everyone, Bellew said.
Photos: Harley Bellew making his clothing.
“One of the reasons I enjoy making clothing is seeing people enjoy them at the fashion shows,” Bellew said. “One of the difficulties I have while making the clothing is the sewing part because I am a perfectionist so it makes the process hard, but the great feeling in the end makes it totally worth it.”
Bellew begins his process by designing a collection, which entails drawing out around six different items of clothing with a theme, then continues on by choosing specific fabrics available to him at SCROC. He then creates patterns using industrial machines or drapes fabric onto mannequins before sewing the items together.
“I feel like the school limits our creativity because all they have us do is memorize things when the way to be creative is to let people’s minds be free and let them do what they want,” Bellew said. “People who are creative are usually the ones who don’t agree with the system and go against it by rebelling and doing their own thing. Those are the people who have the best art in my opinion.”
Though his clothing is not currently up for purchase, Bellew hopes to begin selling graphic tee shirts and other items soon. His SCROC class is in the process of creating a fashion show that will take place May 31st.
“Theres about 24 of us and we all come together for a fashion show,” Bellew said. “It takes a lot to put it together because we have to find the music, look for models which usually are our friends or other students at SCROC, do the measurements and stuff, while on a budget.”
In the future, Bellew plans to start a business and attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), design for other companies, and involve himself with many internships for the experience. Bellew also hopes to get hired by a designer, while also designing clothes for himself and his business.
Learn more about the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
“I feel like it is going to be a very difficult path just because of how many people all over the world want to go into this profession, but I really do believe that I have something special to offer,” Bellew said.
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