Jessica Batey, a senior fashion merchandising major with an emphasis in apparel design, has always loved art and discovered costume design at a young age after her parents encouraged her to take sewing classes. 

Her abilities to design costumes are evident in this collection, which took inspiration from the “Wizard of Oz” and the 1978 film, “the Wiz”. Batey wanted to add a modern twist to the ruby slippers, and Glinda the witch, from the original film and the adaptation. 

When asked what creative expression in fashion means to her, Batey answered, “It doesn’t matter what gender you are, you can wear whatever you want. Like clothes are clothes and it’s used to make you express yourself in a way that you see fit, not what other people think.”

You can keep up with Jessica and her creations on Instagram @Jessica._.batey