Fashion designers aren’t usually associated with agriculture but we’ve found one with deep roots and dirty boots. 

Miriam Cecillia Carlson is one of the top fashion designers in the country and is a former member of Illinois 4-H.  She is one of nine designers chosen to go to New York City to compete in the 2011 Oscars Designer Challenge.

The Oscar Designer Challenge is held annually in NYC. Entries are judged online and the winning entry is worn by a star at the Academy Awards. I think it’s safe to say that Carlson has come a long way from pot holders and table runners to be a finalist in this competition.

Carlson grew up in Winnebago County, was actively involved in 4-H, specifically clothing and textiles, and now has a design studio in Chicago. She told University of Illinois news that her first sewing project was a skirt that she won first place with. She also said, “I learned to sew according to very high standards of quality, and these skills have stayed with me through college and starting my own clothing line.”

Carlson told U of I news that she has an advantage as a designer because she learned to sew at such a young age. She also remarked that she attributes her confidence as a designer to realizing her design skills through 4-H. 

Her clothing line “miriam cecilla” features unique styles and she hasn’t lost her farm girl touch. This photo from her website features one of her clothing models wearing rubber boots in a field of corn stubble.

 

 

My burning question… Will her next design be clover green?