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Source: Joycelyn Falsken, 785-532-1322, jfalsken@k-state.edu;
and Mai Tran, mttran@k-state.edu
Photo available. Download at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/apr11/tran1.jpg and http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/apr11/tran2.jpg
News release prepared by: Kayela Richard, 785-532-1546, media@k-state.edu
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
DESIGNING A CAREER: STUDENT FASHIONS HER FIRST COLLECTION
MANHATTAN -- In 1997, Mai Tran picked up the paintbrush that would eventually start her journey into fashion design.
Fourteen years later, Tran, a Kansas State University senior in apparel textiles and marketing, is creating her first complete fashion collection called Petals, which includes a bridal gown and four bridesmaid dresses.
&1xbet online sports betting ;When I first came to the U.S. from Vietnam, my art teacher recommended I take some of his classes after he saw me paint,&1xbet online sports betting ; Tran said. &1xbet online sports betting ;I didn't know that I had art skills then, and I hadn't set my mind on fashion yet.&1xbet online sports betting ;
After moving to Salina and attending high school there, Tran, daughter of Nam Phuong Tran and Lan Ly Thi, started to take her art into fashion. She enrolled at K-State her freshman year and attended classes on the Salina campus.
Tran, who graduates in May, is in an independent study class this spring under her adviser, Joycelyn Falsken, assistant professor of apparel textiles and interior design. The class has given her the opportunity to create Petals.
&1xbet online sports betting ;It's always good to contribute to the university and see how students are able to learn and grow,&1xbet online sports betting ; Falsken said. &1xbet online sports betting ;Mai wanted to take her learning a step beyond producing one or two garments; she wanted to do a whole line. Students are always welcome to go beyond expectations at K-State. This shows other students what is possible.&1xbet online sports betting ;
Tran credits Falsken's help in making her collection possible.
&1xbet online sports betting ;Professor Falsken is beyond an adviser,&1xbet online sports betting ; Tran said. &1xbet online sports betting ;She cares more about you and what you can do to improve yourself.&1xbet online sports betting ;
An interior design portfolio inspired Tran's current bridal collection, which includes cocktail styles and an elegant asymmetrical gown. The bridesmaid dresses are in black, while the bridal gown, which she is still working on, is in traditional white.
&1xbet online sports betting ;I don't look at other fashion designs for inspiration,&1xbet online sports betting ; Tran said. &1xbet online sports betting ;Instead, I look at different shapes, objects and building structures.&1xbet online sports betting ;
Tran is serving an internship this semester with David's Bridal in Salina and hopes to show her collection to them as a final portfolio.
&1xbet online sports betting ;I have learned a lot there,&1xbet online sports betting ; she said. &1xbet online sports betting ;I work in the alterations department and they have a lot of construction tricks that have helped a lot with my collection.&1xbet online sports betting ;
Tran wants to gain more experience in the fashion design field and would like to open her own design shop.
&1xbet online sports betting ;After graduation I want to work for some fashion design companies,&1xbet online sports betting ; she said. &1xbet online sports betting ;I'm comfortable with my designs but there is always something more for me to learn in the fashion industry.&1xbet online sports betting ;
Tran went back to Vietnam last summer. Her motivation for success stems from the memories of her home country.
&1xbet online sports betting ;In Vietnam I saw kids on the street begging for food and money to help their family instead of staying in school to learn how to read and write,&1xbet online sports betting ; Tran said. &1xbet online sports betting ;I saw houses smaller than a college dorm room that provided for five family members. My dreams of opening my own store became my goal after that trip.&1xbet online sports betting ;