On Nov. 4, students attended the Designers Panel hosted by SMU Look Magazine in the Jones Grand Atrium. Each semester, SMU Look hosts an event designed to educate and engage students in the fashion department, with this semester’s theme centered on designers.
The evening featured a lineup of designers specializing in a wide range of fashion categories. Throughout the discussion, each professional shared their journey and the challenges they faced, offering students a glimpse into the determination and creativity required to thrive in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
Jackie O’Hara, SMU Look’s event director, said the panel was curated with intention, giving fashion media students direct access to industry professionals and opportunities for inspiration and networking.
“I want them to feel like they’ve learned something new,” O’Hara said. “We try not to have a panel with everyone thinking the same thing or having the same idea.”
The panel brought together designers Crespatrick de los Reyes, Munisa Khuramova, Nicole Musselman, Lele Sadoughi and Maxine Trowbridge. Each offering a glimpse into the origins of their brands, the evolution of their creative identities and the inspirations that continue to shape their work.
De los Reyes opened up about the challenges of launching his brand in its early years. He admitted that while the creative process came effortlessly to him, the financial and business sides were much harder to master. Those early struggles forced Reyes to confront weaknesses he had never anticipated and inspired him to seek mentorship from others in the field. Over time, he realized that understanding the numbers and infrastructure behind creativity was essential not only for survival but also for long-term growth.
“Reinvesting the money and building an infrastructure for the business was never my strong suit,” de los Reyes said.
Learning how to manage the financial side pushed him to seek out mentors who could guide him through the process, helping him understand that creativity alone couldn’t sustain a business without structure and strategy.
“Honestly, it’s something I’m still learning, and something I’ll continue to learn and grow from,” he added.
Beyond the business hurdles, de los Reyes described the deeply personal influences behind his designs. He explained that his work is rooted in sustainability and resourcefulness, often using materials he already has on hand to create something entirely new. His process is driven by a sense of purpose and respect for craftsmanship, which gives each garment its own unique story. For de los Reyes, every piece is a reflection of his heritage and the values instilled in him since childhood.
“Everything I work with is upcycled,” he said. “What can I make with what I already have?”
Drawing inspiration from his Filipino roots, de los Reyes incorporates memories of his childhood and cultural traditions into his designs. His collections are grounded in workwear construction infused with details of his upbringing. For de los Reyes, the goal is simple: to make clothes that are wearable, fun, and filled with meaning.
Khuramova, the designer behind Munelle de Vie, shared how her brand was born from an unexpected moment of stillness. A serious accident left her bedridden for three months, forcing her to pause and reflect on the direction of her life. During that quiet period, she found herself immersed in books and daydreams, exploring ideas that had long been buried under the pace of daily life.
“I finally had the time to dream,” Khuramova said. “I spent those months reading French writers and imagining what if there was another life out there that I could live?”
The time she spent in reflection became the foundation for Munelle de Vie, which translates to “Women of Life.” Khuramova explained that the name came from imagining the kind of woman she wanted to become and the legacy she hoped to leave behind. Her brand is deeply rooted in themes of renewal, strength, and grace.
“That’s where the name started,” Khuramova said. “It came from visualizing the kind of woman I wanted to grow into, and what I wanted to leave, my legacy.”
Musselman, founder of KOCH, reflected on how her brand centers around empowering women to discover what truly brings them joy. For her, clothing serves as more than just self-expression; it is a medium for confidence, creativity, and connection. Her brand celebrates individuality and the freedom to live authentically.
“The girl in the clothing is more important than the clothing,” Musselman said. “Anything is possible.”
Though she graduated with a background in advertising, Musselman admitted that entering the fashion industry without formal training was a steep learning curve. She had to teach herself every element of production, from sourcing materials to managing wholesale and distribution. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and the belief that passion, paired with hard work, can open doors in any field.
“I didn’t have a fashion background, so I had to learn everything from scratch,” Musselman said. “The business challenges are always going to come up, but you find a way through them by staying curious and asking questions.”
Sadoughi, known for her work with J.Crew and Tory Burch, discussed the ongoing challenge of standing out in a competitive and ever-changing fashion landscape. She explained that the market can often feel overcrowded, making it essential for designers to maintain a clear and consistent creative identity.
“The industry can feel oversaturated,” Sadoughi said. “The question is, how do I innovate and stay true to my brand’s DNA?”
Her answer is simple. By staying true to her vision, she has been able to grow as a designer and try new ideas without losing what makes her brand unique.
“If you stay true to your vision, then you can expand into different forms,” Sadoughi said.
Toward the end of the evening, models showcased a small collection of looks from each designer, giving the audience a glimpse of the craftsmanship and dedication behind every piece. The live showcase brought their philosophies to life, translating ideas of texture, color and movement into a personal, tangible experience. The mini collection offered students a firsthand look at the designers’ creativity and attention to detail, leaving an inspirational impression of what it takes to turn vision into wearable art.
SMU senior Sheridan Spencer, who modeled Khuramova’s pieces, said the clothing “felt like air.” She explained that wearing the designs felt light and comfortable.
“Whenever I was putting it on, I was like, okay, would I wear this in my everyday life? The answer is yes,” Spencer said.
Each designer shared their own approach to fashion, giving students a variety of perspectives. Khuramova focuses on sustainability, modesty, and leaving a legacy through her designs. De Los Reyes creates pieces that are fun, wearable, and inspired by his cultural roots. Musselman emphasizes empowerment and joy, while Sadoughi and Trowbridge concentrate on balancing innovation, quality and staying true to their brand. Together, their stories gave students important lessons in both creativity and perseverance.
The panel highlighted the personal journeys and challenges of emerging designers, showing students what it really takes to succeed in the fashion industry. It emphasized the resilience, artistry, and determination required to bring a brand to life. Attendees left with a better understanding of how ideas become products and how personal vision shapes professional success.
SMU freshman Adalena Pritzlaff attended the panel with her friends, hoping to get more involved in fashion-related events on campus.
“I thought it was amazing how they all come from different backgrounds and pull knowledge from that and put it into their clothing,” she said, “For me personally, it gives you inspiration to keep going and work on the small stuff to eventually become as amazing as all the panelists were tonight.”
Another student, Lillian Noone, attended the panel after her fashion communications teacher announced it in class. She expressed how much she liked all of their concepts, particularly those that emphasized sustainability.
“I think it’s really fascinating, because there is a story behind everything.” Noone continued,“Each designer has a purpose for why they started and a backstory. It’s really cool because it makes every brand unique and individual. I love that.”
