Originally from Los Angeles, California and raised in Portland, Oregon, D’on Lauren Edwards is currently finishing her BFA in fashion and accessory design at Savannah College of Art and Design and graduating next year. Her love and passion for ballet was instilled in her when she was three years old, and at the age of 17, she had to stop her dreams of becoming a prima ballerina due to an autoimmune disease. With that, Edwards realized that in life, you cannot let obstacles get in your way, and instead used hers to influence her work to design with purpose. Taking the discipline, drive and influence of ballet and applying it to her work in fashion and accessory design, Edwards’ designs focus on technical fit and diverse sizing (especially for a petite woman like herself), combined with sustainability and zero-waste design principles.

Edwards is the 2021 recipient of both the CFDA Design for Justice Scholar Award and the Gucci Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design Award.

For Giving Tuesday we sat down with her to discuss manifestation, confidence, and the power of design embracing diversity of marginalized groups.

D’on, your project 2ND LIFE won both the CFDA Design for Justice Scholar Award and the Gucci Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design Award! How does it feel?

It has been an amazing experience and achievement being a 2021 CFDA Scholar! I recently found my journal from my freshman year of college. I wrote that I would apply and hopefully become a finalist for this award, and it is crazy to see that two years later, my manifestation came true! Being a 2021 CFDA Scholar has given me a great boost in confidence as a designer and motivation to keep dreaming and reaching towards my goals within this industry.

Manifestation is key! Do you have any memorable moments from when you applied to the CFDA Scholarship Fund?

A memorable moment that stood out for me was creating the video submission for the application. It was one of my favorite parts of the submission. I also enjoyed taking the time to analyze and answer the questions about my project, the purpose, and who I am as a designer. It allowed me to showcase my process throughout the creation of the project.

Who or what inspires you when creating any design?

When designing, I am inspired by the beauty, elegance, and glamour of old Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe. But I also take inspiration from beautiful cultures and stories from my personal life and family. I enjoy telling stories and embracing parts of my multi-cultural heritage within my work.

What message do you hope to spread through your work?

The message I hope to spread through my work is embracing and showcasing the beauty and confidence within yourself no matter your background or obstacles you have to endure. Additionally, I want women to embrace their sexuality while still being modest and elegant.

Confidence is the most beautiful thing one can possess. Last question. Fill in the blank. “Design has the power to ________.”

“…to inspire, uplift, encourage and change lives. When design embraces diversity of marginalized groups, it will allow for transformation and creativity to unfold within the industry.”

Contribute to the future of American Fashion by donating to the CFDA Scholarship Fund here.