An interview with fashion designer, Hopkins student Michael Van Maele

By: Amanda Jean Boyle

Posted: 4/30/09

About a month ago, the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma put on the First Annual Fashion Show at Hopkins, where some local designers and boutiques showed and Hopkins students modeled. However, more importantly, Hopkins' own Michael Van Maele showed a collection of women's wear. Here, he answered some questions about his thoughts on the latest spring trends, and what it's like to design a fashion line.

AJB: How long have you been designing for? What originally made you want to design?

MV: I have been designing for three years. My mom used to do craft shows, so there was an ample supply of needles, thread and fabric around the house. The availability of all the necessary materials combined with one too many episodes of Project Runway is what I consider the spark that started my fashion career.

AJB: Where do you see fashion designing playing into your future?

MV: I will be sad to stop designing, but as science takes center stage in my life, it is only natural that activities which also take up a lot of time get put on the back burner. I think that I will always design as a creative outlet. Whether or not there is time to actually execute and present designs depends on how busy things get during the summer! A long-term goal of mine is to get on Project Runway and to show at a major fashion week, but we will have to wait and see what happens.

AJB: Has being at college changed your views on fashion any? What is your major, did you consider going to school for fashion?

MV: Being at college has made me realize the absolute necessity of comfort, something I had previously written off. I just can't be productive studying unless I'm in comfortable, breathable cotton, preferably Calvin Klein. I can't take off my CK shorts this summer. I ended up being a biomedical engineering major at Hopkins, and although I briefly flirted with the idea of going to design school, I would much rather be an engineer by trade than a fashion designer.

AJB: And when do you find the time to make all the clothes??

MV: It's all about summer and intersession! Also, during spring break, I moved in with my friend who lives on St. Paul to work on some clothes. I don't plan on sacrificing many more of those breaks, however. It is a very time-consuming process and less so the more planning you put into it, so I don't anticipate spending 10 hours a day on an outfit anymore, as had to be done with this most recent collection.

AJB: What were your favorite collections from the Spring runway last month?

MV: I am ever the loyal Versace fan. I am keeping my eye on Blumarine for trends, which I think will show up on college campuses. Burberry has never let me down yet. When I watch a fashion show, I am almost always most affected by the overall presentation rather than individual pieces. Versace is a master of putting on a show with music, lights and staging. That is what really draws me to a brand.

AJB: What would you say was your inspiration for this collection?

MV: I am inspired by simplicity and recurring lines. I try to see what women wear when they feel best about themselves, and I toss in luxury elements that I'm drawn to such as rare colors, textures, intricate necklines and creative pleating. For this collection specificially, I wanted to make an evening scene that could be accessed by all women who have events to go to at night, no matter who they are. There were many strapless pieces and flared skirts since I feel that is a common denominator for evening chic for many women. It was all about finding the time and place for the fashion and going from there.

AJB: Did you have a favorite piece from the collection?

MV: Yes! I love the blue dress that Millie wore. I hope it is well-loved in its new home.

AJB: And can you see Hopkins girls wearing your dresses? Who would be your dream woman to design for?

MV: I would love to see the girls here wearing my clothes. The dresses from the collection were created with them in mind as my audience. My dream woman to design for is Anne Hathaway. I can't imagine a more beautiful woman. She is unreal!

AJB: What about men's fashion, are you interested in designing a men's line in the future?

MV: I have designed menswear, but I have not created any yet. I think there is a major market among Hopkins student for menswear, especially casual wear, that I would like to reach with my business. I would like at least to add three or four menswear looks to my spring collection next year.

AJB: On that note, are you already planning another collection?

MV: Of course! I am going to be working hard during intersession to pull this one off. I will be traveling across the world this summer, and I am hoping to find some wonderful inspiration abroad in Europe and Asia. I am going to try to show many more looks next season, upwards of 40. This new collection will be much more thematic perhaps, trying to sell a more artistic idea than the previous one.

AJB: What do you think of people's style at Hopkins? What's one trend you'd like to see guys or girls embracing for spring? What's one trend you've been seeing that you absolutely want to go away?

MV: I have seen some astonishing style here. Some people have it down more than others - I could tell you about three names right now of girls who have impeccable style here. I think there will always be the unstoppable sweatpants-clad lecture-goer, so I can't quite complain about that. As for embraceable trends, I encourage girls to try transparent blouses that end below the level of the short for this summer. I must also add that I am a huge fan of your acid green heels, Amanda. I almost want to run out and buy some for myself.

For the boys, I would advise picking up some shorts that cut off below the knee (BELOW!) and wacky colored aviators. The one trend I would like to see gone forever is of course Ugg boots, for which no excuse can be made, and also dresses which gather or bunch together around the hem. If you're a boy, you should consider losing the flip-flops immediately unless you are washing your car. And, please stop wear