I don't remember feeling nervous.

That's not normal. I'd been preparing and stressing for weeks, but as I woke up the morning of my first fashion show, I only remember feeling excited. I was told to be at Ursa Major in the BSC by 3, but first I had to pick up my best friend Jana, who'd be modeling in the show.

Image credit: Ian Luczon

When we got there, everything seemed frantic and blurry. Girls were lined up to have their hair and makeup done, and designers were getting the final touches of their pieces runway ready.

Image credit: Ian Luczon

I set up at a table in the back and laid out the pieces for the show, 8 outfits in total. Somehow, I got it all together in time. 4 dresses, 4 crop tops, 2 mini skirts, one tight maxi skirt, and one long ballgown skirt. Everything fit well, now all I had to do was make sure everyone's hair and make up was good for the show, and it would be time.

Image credit: Ian Luczon

I remember thinking about how I decided to design for the show in the first place. I heard them talking about the fashion show during a Fashion Society meeting, and was interested. My mom offered to purchase the fabric and supplies for me, so that was that. I started designing and planning my collection. I was confident I could put 8 outfits together if I had the funds.

It was way harder than expected, but after trial and error, I got it together!

The day of the show came, and the hour before the show was a total blur. My models were in hair and makeup, I put the finishing touches on the outfits and we were good to go.

Image credit: Kilee Delaney

I didn't actually get to see the collection walk down the runway, but I walked out at the end with the models while the audience cheered. It felt amazing to hear people congratulating my work.

Image credit: Ian Luczon

Image credit: Ian Luczon

Image credit: Ian LuczonImage credit: Ian Luczon

After the show, I got the photos, made a portfolio, and posted it on Instagram. I got praise from many people online, like the editor of Teen Vogue, Amy Astley, and the Project Runway Casting team.

I even brought my portfolio with me to a Teen Vogue conference in NYC where I got praise and critiques from industry professionals!

Designing my first fashion collection and having it walk down the runway was one of the best and most fulfilling experiences of my life. My next fashion show is coming up next week and I'm almost as excited for this one as I was for the first. I can't wait to see my creations walk the runway again!

Image credit: Holly Hessamian