BEHIND THE SEAMS


Fahion Director, Styling, and Fashion Curation by Anna Jara
As Fashion Director for Behind the Seams, I worked closely with our team to curate looks from ten senior fashion designers at SCAD. We wanted to go deeper than just the final garments—to capture the thought, emotion, and process that went into each collection. From casting to styling to creative direction, this project was about celebrating the work behind the runway and giving these designers the space to share their stories.


Creative Direction, Curated, & Produced by Evan Skovronsky
Photography by Cameron Emory
Production Design by Iyerlie Feist
Interviews by Miia Popovics, Elisabeth Edwards, & Ben Pulka
Photography Assist by Paige Albert
Makeup by Ari Young Sang
Assisted by Eve Friday, Aubrey Lauer, & Mishi Ali
Video by Kaden K. Jones
Talent by Ivan Kuo, Ben Pulka, Chloay Jean-Miles, Trey Alexander, Jade Imani, Kyle Anderson, Sadie Bartletta, Lance Featherstone, Sydney Geiger, & Stephanie Hayes
Designed by Rosie Abuin (@rosieabuin @portfoliobyrosiea)
Modeled by Ivan Kuo (@ivanhkuo)
Designed by Jia Gore (@jia.gore @jiagore.studio)
Accessories by Bradleigh Duman (@bradleigh.duman @beradbyduman)
Modeled by Sadie Bartletta (@sadiebartletta)
Designed by Hollis Maxson (@hollismaxson @maxsondesigns)
Weaving by Elise Goosen (@elise.goosen)
Modeled by Trey Alexander (@trey__alexander)
Designed by Allie Jansen (@artistrybyal)
Accessories by Gillian Trask(@gillian_trask_jewelry)
Modeled by Stephanie Hayes (@stephanie.hayes18)
Designed by Chloe Corso (@chloe_corso @cut.by.chlo)
Jewelry by Elle Jerge (@ellejergedesigns)
Quilting by Amanda Zvolensky (@zvozvozvo)
Modeled by Jade Imani (@jae.mani)
Designed by Ethan Pope (@ethanpope_ @stardusssstttt)
Accessories by Koji Lowe (@kojilowe @koji.handmade)
Modeled by Kyle Anderson (@okpadawan)
Designed by Benedict Stoddard (@benedict.ws @conspirrealism)
Modeled by Lance Featherstone (@lance.featherstone)

Dressing Your Age: People Pleasing in Your 60s


Styling by Anna Jara.

 In this SCAD Manor editorial, I explored how societal expectations often pressure older individuals, especially women, to dress conservatively, leading many to avoid expressive fashion choices due to fear of judgment. This piece highlights the importance of challenging ageist norms and encourages embracing personal style at any age as a form of self-expression and empowerment.


Styling by Anna Jara and Noah Miller
Creative Direction and Photography by Abigail Wornock
Photo Assist by Aaryn Cardenas and Urja Atre
Talent by Marie Aja-Hererra and Andrew Fionda

TRENDTORIAL: SHEETS TO STREETS



Creative Direction, Styling and Words by Anna Jara.

What’s in? What’s new? What’s cute? A pajama phenomenon. Pajamas are no longer just for bedtime—they’re the new go-to uniform for dinner and drinks. From silky sets to tailored lounge pants, the fashion world has fully embraced sleepwear as streetwear, blurring the lines between relaxation and ready-to-wear. Whether it’s vintage Victoria's Secret slip dresses paired with oversized blazers or luxe Sleeper US pajama sets styled with heels, going out in PJs is no longer a last-minute, lazy-day decision—it’s the moment.

The world has given up on being uncomfortable. Post-pandemic dressing has cemented comfort as a priority, and now, looking chic doesn’t mean suffering in stiff fabrics. What’s in? Monogrammed silk sets. What’s new? Bedroom-inspired accessories. What’s cute? Matching pajama tops and wide-leg pants styled effortlessly with flats or heels. The message is clear: confidence and comfort go hand in hand.

 


Photography By Abigail Wornock
Videography By Charlie Richardson 
Talent by Charley Redrick 
Garments from Marmalade Fresh Clothing

CINCHED

Creative Direction, Styling and Words by Anna Jara.

Body piercings and body modifications have been around for years and are still popular to this day. A modification can be as simple as an ear piercing, or can go as far as wanting to permanently scar yourself. While the majority of body modifications come from different cultures and rituals, the corset piercing stands alone.

First developed around the late 1990s, the piercing started to gain popularity through the early 2000s in the tattoo and body modification community. A corset piercing is when a part of the body is pierced numerous times going side to side as a ribbon is laced through. This gives the appearance that that part of the body is “corseted”. Your initial reaction might be “ouch!”, but next you might be wondering “why?” Although corset piercings are usually temporary, people get them done for photo shoots, pride parades, music festivals, and tattoo and piercing conventions. In the early 2010s, girls were even getting them done for prom. Corset piercings turn the body into art. It highlights natural curves and creates the hourglass look that is often sought after. A corset piercing is a physical symbol of pain and femininity.


Talent by Anna Shao.
Photography by Tanner Phillips.
Makeup by Grace Gibson and Annika Peterson.
Videography by Danna Macias.
When ‘May I Help You?’ Becomes a Turnoff

 Words by Anna Jara.

"Why is being greeted by a store employee such a deal breaker for so many young shoppers today? In a recent class discussion about what makes a retail space inviting (or not), I was extremely interested as a self-proclaimed 'retail baddie.' To my shock, more than half of the participants admitted they’d actively avoid a store if they knew an employee would greet them or ask if they needed help. My jaw was on the floor as more and more people chimed in, agreeing with this sentiment. The general consensus? They’d be more inclined to shop if there were fewer employees, if they didn’t need to ask for a size, or if they didn’t have to rely on staff to grab something locked away or out of reach. This was the first time I’d heard anything like this—and honestly, it left me rethinking the future of the retail experience and my place in it. 


This conversation stuck with me, and I realized that most of the people in this class were two to three years younger than me. Could it be a generational thing? Two to three years may not seem like a huge gap, but when you factor in COVID-19, it becomes significant. I was a sophomore in high school during the start of the pandemic, while most of them were in middle school—arguably one of the most critical periods for developing social and emotional skills. It made me wonder how much that difference in timing has shaped their comfort levels with in-person interactions, especially in retail spaces. Around 73% of Generation Z shop online, with the majority (60%) doing so at least once a week. Is this reluctance to shop in person a result of a cultural shift or just personal preference?


Retail is a livelihood for so many people-are we in jeopardy of losing that? If this mindset reflects the reality for all younger generations, will the future of retail shift entirely to technology and minimal employees? Right now, I don’t think it’s feasible; older generations would have a collective heart attack at the idea. But as this younger generation grows older and as fewer people value one-on-one buying experiences, what happens then? Will every store evolve into a version of Reformation—with just two employees and iPads lining the walls, so you don’t even have to talk to someone to start a dressing room? In the meantime, sales associate training will likely change and adapt to focus on varying approaches for different ages and demographics.

I started working in customer-facing retail jobs at 14. I've worked at large corporations like Nordstrom and Brandy Melville, as well as small, family-owned boutiques, ranging from luxury to affordable pieces. Long story short, I've seen it all. One thing that's always stood out across every experience is the shared core value of putting the customer first. These businesses thrive on the relationships they build with customers. 

At Nordstrom, I've had coworkers who’ve been there for over 10 years, cultivating loyal clientele who have shopped with them for just as long. I've had enough interactions to recognize when someone walks in, not necessarily to shop, but just to talk—and that's okay too. There have been moments where helping someone find the perfect garment or outfit for a special occasion has brought them to tears or sparked multiple hugs. It's not just about the transaction, it's about the human connection that happens when you step into a store. That personal touch, the ability to connect with someone face-to-face, is becoming increasingly rare. Retail, despite its challenges, is about building relationships that extend beyond a single purchase. As we see more younger shoppers gravitating towards online platforms, it’s clear that the culture of in-store shopping is evolving. But for those of us who believe in the power of face-to-face interaction, it’s a hard shift to witness. It's reassuring to know, one thing is clear: retail is far from a dying industry. It will continue to thrive because there will always be people who appreciate the value of the in-person shopping experience.

In the end, this conversation left me with more questions than answers about the future of retail. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how shopping experiences will evolve, it’s clear that generational shifts and cultural changes, accelerated by events like the pandemic, are already reshaping what people value in these spaces. As someone who values the connection between a sales associate and a shopper, it’s hard to imagine a world where those human interactions disappear entirely. But maybe the key isn’t choosing between personal service and convenience—it’s finding a balance that satisfies both. The future of retail may not look like the past, but if we listen carefully to these shifting preferences, we might find a way to create spaces that are inviting for everyone. 


Graphics by Eve Friday 

THE LITTLE PRINCE: FRAME YOUR VISION SCAD WORKSOP


Fashion Editor, Styling, and Concept by Anna Jara
As Fashion Editor for SCAD’s Visual Media Team, I collaborated with my peers to create an editorial concept inspired by The Little Prince, highlighting four central characters—the Little Prince, the Fox, the Rose, and the Pilot. The concept was brought to life through a live workshop for senior fashion students, where we demonstrated the process of creative direction, styling, and on-set collaboration during a real-time editorial photoshoot open for observation.



Photographer — @hblphotography
Photo Assist — @sarahelise.photo
Fashion Editors — @evanskovronsky @elliewarnke
BTS Photographer — @fiamma_noto
Style Assist — @millersloann
Style Mentor — @childrenoftheknight
Mentor Styling Assist — @onagarcia11
Production Designer — @iyerlie
Production Assist — @zachncreative
Film DP & Editor — @jamesrossfraser @juli.an77
HMU — @aarniaa
EP — @mae_couture
Alum Designer Collections — @ellaaaugustsson @icecreamdogs
Guest Alum Speaker — @_jai._tab
Models — @akwtheartist @charleyreddd @trey__alexander @cydney.williams

DRESSED IN THE DARK: Fall Trendtorial 2025


Creative Direction, Styling and Words by Anna Jara.

Inside-out, upside-down, and all-turned-around: clothes are being worn in every direction but how they were intended. Viktor & Rolf’s Spring 2023 Couture runway had every media outlet in a chokehold. Creative Directors Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren sent models down the runway in gowns flipped upside down, sideways, and even diagonally. The admiration was loud as someone who’d need a truck labeled “WIDE LOAD” behind me to pull off one of those looks. Natasha Zinko’s Pre-Fall 2025 show was another notable collection, showcasing backwards blazers and button-downs. And of course, the unforgettable Maison Margiela Fall 2023 R-T-W show, where everything looked kind of normal but also not. The moral of the story is that fashion is disoriented—and deliberately so.

Even off the runway, stylists and civilians are twisting, flipping, and inverting garments. Why? Because in a world where the trend cycle moves at breakneck speed and everyone’s wearing the same “it” items, individuality has become harder to come by. So people are pushing further styling things the “wrong” way to stand out, even if they’re still wearing the same clothes as everyone else. The rebellion isn’t in what you wear anymore, it’s in how you wear it.

So, flip around that blazer. Wear your skirt as a shirt. And, yes, wear that sh*t backwards. 
 


Photography By Paige Albert 
Talent By Noah Miller

Internview


Produced, Styling, and Graphics by Anna Jara.

 During my internship at Interview Magazine, I created a mini zine in the publication’s signature Q&A style. I interviewed my guest, edited the conversation, produced and styled the shoot, designed the graphics, and handled all post-production. It was a hands-on project that allowed me to shape every aspect of the final piece, visually and editorially, while channeling Interview’s bold, creative spirit.


Styling by Anna Jara and Noah Miller
Creative Direction and Photography by Abigail Wornock
Photo Assist by Aaryn Cardenas and Urja Atre
Talent by Marie Aja-Hererra and Andrew Fionda

MANUFACTURED


Styling by Anna Jara.

 In this SCAD Manor editorial, I explored the tension between authenticity and performance, styling a narrative where self-image becomes both mask and mirror.


Co-Creative Direction & Words by Elisabeth Edwards 
Co-Creative Direction by Paige Albert 
Photography by Kiersten Cote 
Talent by Charlotte Pinkerton 

THE LITTLE PRINCE: FRAME YOUR VISION SCAD WORKSOP


Fashion Editor, Styling, and Concept by Anna Jara
As Fashion Editor for SCAD’s Visual Media Team, I collaborated with my peers to create an editorial concept inspired by The Little Prince, highlighting four central characters—the Little Prince, the Fox, the Rose, and the Pilot. The concept was brought to life through a live workshop for senior fashion students, where we demonstrated the process of creative direction, styling, and on-set collaboration during a real-time editorial photoshoot open for observation.



Photographer — @hblphotography
Photo Assist — @sarahelise.photo
Fashion Editors — @evanskovronsky @elliewarnke
BTS Photographer — @fiamma_noto
Style Assist — @millersloann
Style Mentor — @childrenoftheknight
Mentor Styling Assist — @onagarcia11
Production Designer — @iyerlie
Production Assist — @zachncreative
Film DP & Editor — @jamesrossfraser @juli.an77
HMU — @aarniaa
EP — @mae_couture
Alum Designer Collections — @ellaaaugustsson @icecreamdogs
Guest Alum Speaker — @_jai._tab
Models — @akwtheartist @charleyreddd @trey__alexander @cydney.williams