You are never too old or too young to dream, in this case we have a 6 year old Fashionista of the future. With no doubt, Hayden will have much in store in the years to come.
by Rodney W. Branche
by Rodney W. Branche
"Hayden"
Copa: What are some of the things you like to do as a soon-to-be 7-year old?
Hayden: I love 1st grade and learning new things, and making new friends. I like to plan parties if my mom and dad let's me, especially sleepovers with my friends and cousins. I love being a big sister to my 4-year old brother. His name is LV. His real name is Leonard Haynes V, so the "LV" is his nickname. I am teaching my brother reading, math and writing right now. I have to get him ready for Kindergarten! I also love to swim, dance and do karate. My mom is teaching me how to play volleyball and my dad is teaching me basketball. I really love modeling and acting too. Sometimes, I get to do photo shoots, commercials and fashion shows, which is so much fun.
Hayden: I love 1st grade and learning new things, and making new friends. I like to plan parties if my mom and dad let's me, especially sleepovers with my friends and cousins. I love being a big sister to my 4-year old brother. His name is LV. His real name is Leonard Haynes V, so the "LV" is his nickname. I am teaching my brother reading, math and writing right now. I have to get him ready for Kindergarten! I also love to swim, dance and do karate. My mom is teaching me how to play volleyball and my dad is teaching me basketball. I really love modeling and acting too. Sometimes, I get to do photo shoots, commercials and fashion shows, which is so much fun.
Copa: You are an aspiring fashion designer, when did you begin to love fashion?
Hayden: When I was 2 years old, I walked in my very first runway show. It was called the "Golden Scissors Awards" in Washington, DC. There were a lot of people there and I was so nervous, but I did it! A big thanks to Miss Khadijah Bronson of Spoiled Rotten Kids Spa" who selected me for the show. I really loved my outfit that was made for me by a local DC designer named Miss LaQuanda Turner of La' Q Designs. I loved the fabrics she used. I wanted to wear more and more fashions, so I asked my mom if I could do more shows. I love how the clothes make me feel and I love being on the runway.
Hayden: When I was 2 years old, I walked in my very first runway show. It was called the "Golden Scissors Awards" in Washington, DC. There were a lot of people there and I was so nervous, but I did it! A big thanks to Miss Khadijah Bronson of Spoiled Rotten Kids Spa" who selected me for the show. I really loved my outfit that was made for me by a local DC designer named Miss LaQuanda Turner of La' Q Designs. I loved the fabrics she used. I wanted to wear more and more fashions, so I asked my mom if I could do more shows. I love how the clothes make me feel and I love being on the runway.
Copa: How many fashion shows have you walked in?
Hayden: I think about 15 shows now. Some of the designers I have walked for are: La 'Q Designs, My Bougie Baby, Elizabeth St. John and Macy's. Last month, I got to walk in NYC Kid's Fashion Week for a designer named "Anasai". It was so cool and so much fun! I met a lot of new friends too. I think I want to move to New York City one day.
Hayden: I think about 15 shows now. Some of the designers I have walked for are: La 'Q Designs, My Bougie Baby, Elizabeth St. John and Macy's. Last month, I got to walk in NYC Kid's Fashion Week for a designer named "Anasai". It was so cool and so much fun! I met a lot of new friends too. I think I want to move to New York City one day.
Copa: When did you decide to design your own clothes?
Hayden: This summer, "Hayden's Designs" was born. I was inspired to design my first collection. 7 looks total. I do not know how to sew yet, so my mom helped me sew my patterns and detailing.
Hayden: This summer, "Hayden's Designs" was born. I was inspired to design my first collection. 7 looks total. I do not know how to sew yet, so my mom helped me sew my patterns and detailing.
Copa: When was your first fashion show as a designer? and how did you enjoy the experience?
Hayden: I had my first show this summer at my parent's house. I used my mom's friends as models and I even designed their accessories. I was so excited to finally see my designs on real people. They were such good models coming down the runway. We even did a "flood" at the end, which is my favorite part of every fashion show. The part where the models come back out one last time and "clap clap clap" down in a line. I came out at the end. My dad was crying in the audience, I think.
Hayden: I had my first show this summer at my parent's house. I used my mom's friends as models and I even designed their accessories. I was so excited to finally see my designs on real people. They were such good models coming down the runway. We even did a "flood" at the end, which is my favorite part of every fashion show. The part where the models come back out one last time and "clap clap clap" down in a line. I came out at the end. My dad was crying in the audience, I think.
Petite Parade's NYC Kids Fashion Week on Flipagram:
http://flipagram.com/f/LHxjLOUiZo (follow link or click any of the three photos below)
Copa: Fashion design, when did you start sketching?
Hayden: My grandmother gave me a cool Barbie sketch kit for Christmas at age 4. The stencils in the kit helped me to get started, but now I draw everything on my own. I use colored pencils instead of crayons now. Watching "Project Runway" on TV with my mom gives me so much inspiration. I love watching the designers come up with designs from scratch. It's just amazing. I hope to be on that show one day.
Hayden: My grandmother gave me a cool Barbie sketch kit for Christmas at age 4. The stencils in the kit helped me to get started, but now I draw everything on my own. I use colored pencils instead of crayons now. Watching "Project Runway" on TV with my mom gives me so much inspiration. I love watching the designers come up with designs from scratch. It's just amazing. I hope to be on that show one day.
Copa: What does your Mom think about your wonderful creations? and have you designed anything for her yet?
Hayden: My mom loves all of my creations. She is always cheering me on, along with my whole family. I have her try on my new designs to make sure the fit is just right. She also gives me some new ideas when I get stuck. She has taught me how to hand sew, but when I get a little bigger, she is going to teach me how to use her sewing machine. I can't wait for that! I have not designed anything for my mom yet, but she asked me to design a gown she can wear for a NYE event she is going to with my dad. Her favorite colors are green & black, so I am going to sketch up a few ideas using those colors.
Hayden: My mom loves all of my creations. She is always cheering me on, along with my whole family. I have her try on my new designs to make sure the fit is just right. She also gives me some new ideas when I get stuck. She has taught me how to hand sew, but when I get a little bigger, she is going to teach me how to use her sewing machine. I can't wait for that! I have not designed anything for my mom yet, but she asked me to design a gown she can wear for a NYE event she is going to with my dad. Her favorite colors are green & black, so I am going to sketch up a few ideas using those colors.
Copa: Would you like to have a fashion show featuring the clothes you make?
Hayden: YES, YES, YES! I can't wait to have a fashion show at a big venue with lots of people. I love the backstage fun of getting all the models dressed & ready. I hope one day my clothes will be sold in stores, too. *Crossing fingers* |
~PORTFOLIO~
Copa: If you had an opportunity to make a dress for the First Lady Michelle Obama, what would it look like?
Hayden: It would be awesome to design a dress for the First Lady. She seems to be very tall, so I would design a dress that is long with a little train at the bottom. My favorite color is pink, but I think a royal blue would look really nice on her. I would make the design not too tight, but more draped. A fabric that can stretch, would be a good idea too. She has great arms, so I must show off her muscles!
~Copa
Hayden: It would be awesome to design a dress for the First Lady. She seems to be very tall, so I would design a dress that is long with a little train at the bottom. My favorite color is pink, but I think a royal blue would look really nice on her. I would make the design not too tight, but more draped. A fabric that can stretch, would be a good idea too. She has great arms, so I must show off her muscles!
~Copa
Contact info:
Monica Haynes (Hayden's mom)
[email protected]