By Ayden Ehlinger 

Designers use their fashion pieces to create a message, and hopefully, one that leaves an impact on people. At just the age of fifteen, designer Brenna Livingston understands the importance of using her work to carry on the message of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. Upcycling, a now popular trend, is used by Livingston in her designs to portray the importance of wearing sustainable clothing while also looking fashionable. She wants to use her designs to inspire people to take responsibility for the role they play in recycling for the benefit of our Earth. 

At the Modello Nuovo fashion show, Livingston’s jewelry pieces were highlighted for her creativity in taking something old and turning it into something new and fashionable. I had the pleasure of interviewing Livingston to get some insight of how she brings her pieces to life. 

Interview:

Where did you grow up as a kid and what was your childhood like?  

I grew up in Denver. I started dancing and modeling very young. And attended a performing arts school for middle school. I’m almost 15 so still growing.

How would you describe the style of your designs?

 My primary focus is jewelry design..my clothing line “Re-Imagine” is all about upcycling or re-imagining everyday pieces, which is a team collaboration.

At the Modello Nuovo show where Livingston’s jewelry is showcased along with outfits that are completely upcycled.

What inspires your creativity? 

Music and Dance

Everyone has had a challenging past year. How has the past year impacted your designs and creativity? 

I did not like online schooling because I really like being around people. So I had to be more active in other ways. Which meant I was cutting up shirts, or putting safety pins on things…!

What are your goals with your designs in the Modello Nuovo show? Is there any theme or statement you would like to make with these designs?

I don’t think we are doing enough to be responsible with our world, so redesigning older things, or stuff I get from thrift stores is a way I can do something. 

What is the message you would like to give to the world through your designs? 

Don’t see things as they are, but instead as they could be.

Another picture from the Modello Nuovo show of Livingston’s jewelry. 

What are the challenges of being a teen designer in the fashion world and how do you overcome these obstacles? 

I’m new at this, and so I’m still learning. But I think we have to be ourselves. Find our own voice. I have support, so I’m lucky that way.

How does being a teenager affect your designs?

I want to be comfortable and different.  I don’t want to be like anyone else.