Thomas Gaddis is a fourth-year fashion design student who said he is enjoying his greatest labor of love, the Senior Collection. He is the president of Fashion Haus, a club that provides fashion-based events and activities.
Connector: What is the purpose of Fashion Haus?
Thomas Gaddis: The purpose of the Fashion Haus is to provide fashion-based events and activities for students, fashion majors or not, support our local and global community through community service and reinforce the ideals of the college and fashion department by supporting the major and reinforcing the ideas we learn everyday. Basically, we put our educations into practice.
Connector: Why did you choose to become the president of Fashion Haus?
T.G.: I chose to become the president this year because I wanted to make sure that all of the hard work put in since Fashion Haus first organized in 2006 as “Atelier” was maintained. I wanted to make sure that the next officer cabinet after this year’s was well equipped to lead after my officers and I have graduated. I served as chairman for “Atelier.” Once things got off the ground, I served as a member and again as an officer last year doing PR.
Connector: What are your duties as a president of Fashion Haus?
T.G.: My duties as Fashion Haus president run the gamut from meeting with administration on specific projects to making sure fliers get posted. I do whatever it takes to make sure that everyone crosses all T’s and dots all I’s.
Connector: What are Fashion Haus’s upcoming plans?
T.G.: Fashion Haus’s upcoming plans are to first of all complete two trees for the Festival of Trees Project. The Fashion Haus was selected to complete two Christmas trees for the project to benefit two tweens who will more than likely spend their holiday season in the hospital. This particular project is very important to not only the Fashion Haus, but also to the fashion department because it serves a great need in our community and will make two young girls very happy! Secondly, we will also be working hard on raising funds for our Winter 2009 Fashion Show. There will be some fun activities as well, but we’re still working some things into the schedule.
Connector: How can fashion students participate in Fashion Haus?
T.G.: A fashion student can participate in the Fashion Haus by contacting me or any Fashion Professor who will then get in contact with me. My e-mail is tgaddi20@student.scad.edu. Shoot me a message! ANY student, however, is always welcome to come. Here at SCAD-Atlanta, we have the luxury of being able to collaborate on a variety of projects, and we certainly want to expand our understanding of other majors and expose everyone interested to the fashion industry.
Connector: How does being part of Fashion Haus benefit yours and other students’ future in professional careers?
T.G.: Being a part of Fashion Haus is beneficial in a professional sense because it teaches leadership, time management, social skills (aka customer service), critical thinking, promotes community service, and provides a great deal of networking opportunities within the fashion design profession.
Connector: What would you like to do after you graduate from SCAD?
T.G.: After I graduate from SCAD, I’d like to take some time to work within the field. I’d love to go to New York and intern with Christian Siriano from Project Runway last season. He’s fierce, and he’s amazingly talented. I’d also die to have the opportunity to go to Paris and work under a couturier. I love Elie Saab and would give anything to have such an amazing opportunity. Then, after I travel a bit, I’d love to open a small boutique!
Connector: Who is your most inspiring fashion designer and why?
T.G.: My most inspiring fashion designer is Elie Saab. His aesthetic is so close to my own it’s eerie! From the asymmetry to the ruffles and pleats and gathers and layer upon layer of drama, I absolutely love his haute couture designs!