Why, oh why did Teen Vogue not exist when I was a teen? I actually find myself more inspired by the pages of Teen Vogue than almost any other fashion rag these days (and I just turned 28), although I could never even fathom affording anything they feature.

And speaking of things I wish were in existence when I was younger… have you heard of Teen Vogue’s Fashion University? I was privileged enough to be invited by Becky Hanson of SVP to help out with one of the seminars at the event, and can I just say… why am I not 8 years younger? This event was amazing.

There were classes by Cynthia Rowley, Doo.Ri, Jill Stuart, Rebecca Taylor, Phillip Lim, Vera Wang and so so so many more. And the keynote speaker: Tim Gunn. I helped out with Singer‘s seminar where I was able to teach many girls who were aspiring designers themselves. They were all incredibly chipper and eager to learn for such an early hour on a Saturday morning, which was surprising but such a relief because it woke me up enough to get excited right along with them.
Our job was to help capture the spirit of Teen Vogue’s DIY pages, and I think we did a pretty good job. I was so glad that they were all able to have face-time with a machine — many of them had never even sewn before. Each girl walked away with her own altered shirt that she sewed herself, as well as a goodie bag filled with fun stuff (including Adorn! — gotta plug the day job.)

UPDATE: After looking at the write up on the website for the event, this is what was said about our event:

Students learned the basics of how to make their own designs using Singer sewing machines, and got valuable tips on how to customize items already in their closets. They also partnered up with a friend to design a custom t-shirt created exclusively at Fashion U.

Too funny. Glad to know that I’m a friend! 😉