Whether it's designing costumes, reciting poetry, or creating art, sophomore Samara Huggins has found an outlet for her creativity at Whitefield. Most recently, Samara designed and created the fairy costumes for Whitefield's recent production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Kayla Marsh, Upper School drama instructor, saw her talent and gave her an opportunity to create the costumes.
"I'm used to sewing for myself but it was really fun to create designs for a purpose like a play!" said Samara.
Here's a short interview with Samara about her experience:
When did you start sewing? ![]()
I began sewing the summer before my fourth-grade year. My mother signed my sister and me up for a week-long sewing camp, where we learned how to operate the machines, iron, measure, and cut fabrics. This introduction enticed me, and I became involved in that sewing program, which met every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twice a year, the program hosted fashion shows of the collections that we had designed (and been working on the last several months), allowing us to show off what we could do. I discovered my talent for sewing and fashion design and the passions that God had given me and things that I loved.
How did you come up with the ideas for the costumes and how to make them each different?Ms. Marsh and I spent a couple of days tossing around ideas for these costumes – she told me what she wanted, I scribbled down a sketch, and then we added to it. We agreed on the sparkly blue color scheme. The fun part of the project was choosing fabrics. Fabric shopping is by far one of my favorite hobbies, so I went to town deciding between different tulles and organzas, trims and appliques. Ms. Marsh gave me the liberty to decide whether the costumes should look the same or not, so I went out on a limb and made them all unique. My objective was to have each actress feel special and beautiful in her own right, rather than having them
appear uniform.
Tell us the other things you are involved in and enjoy. I know you won the Poetry out Loud Contest last year – is that something that you enjoy? Do you still play volleyball?A number of activities interest me, namely athletics, writing, and art. Basketball has been a part of my life since the age of four, and, though I am no star, I play the game with all my heart. I love writing short stories and poetry, also. Two of my summers have been spent being a part of the Atlanta Young Writers Institute (AYWI), which hosts summer writing intensives and workshops for middle and high school students. Through this, I was involved in the development of Lit!, their online literary magazine for teens.
Last year I participated in and won the schoolwide Poetry Out Loud competition, which qualified me for the regional competition. There I was chosen amongst the top five of twenty-two contestants to go to state. This opportunity strengthened my passion for poetry recitation and interpretation (which sounds really nerdy!). Also, as an art student, I love to express my creativity. Experimenting and working with various media allows me, as sewing does, to create a masterpiece, so that others might share my vision.
What is your heart’s desire as far as what you would like to do with your life?My dream is to attend New York University and major in fashion design, which would enable me to become the successful designer that I have been dreaming of becoming. Owning my own fashion empire and being known world-wide is my dream!
When you have free time – what do you like to do? In the moments of free time that I have, I really enjoy shopping, going to the gym, or just sitting outside. All of these activities relax me and make me happy.
The wide range of designs and collections that I see during shopping trips or in magazines inspire my eclectic vision. The word "different" is my motto. I strive to create anyting that has not been made or imagained or dreamt of before. When people see my garments, I hope there will be no question that they belong to me.
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