DAAP student derives inspiration from the Queen City
2017 - Reporting and Writing (Jour 2010)
Blumenstein sits in the DAAP Building in-between classes, working on a project for her textiles course. Photo by Madalyn Norman.
Nineteen-year-old Fashion Design student Denise Blumenstein is convinced Cincinnati’s culture and fashion scene is a hidden gem, and with inspiration from the city, she is determined to become the creative head of a leading fashion house — possibly right here in Cincinnati.
Blumenstein’s love for fashion began at an early age when she took a sewing basics class in middle school. “While everyone just did what was required of them in class, I was always the one to be like ‘I am going to make a ball gown’ instead of just a basic dress,” Blumenstein says.
This above and beyond mentality followed her into her teen years at Sycamore High School, where her love of fashion flourished. During those years, Blumenstein entered her designs into multiple Cincinnati fashion competitions, placing either 1st or 2nd three years in a row.
Blumenstein says she always had a love for fashion but when it came time for college, she knew she wanted to turn that passion into a career. Blumenstein had her pick of many great programs, even being accepted into a top-five fashion program in the world at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. But Blumenstein saw potential in a top design school right here in Cincinnati; the college for Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati.
“I like being able to keep my feet on the ground here in Cincinnati, which is something I felt wouldn’t have been possible in New York,” Blumenstein says.
Not only is DAAP’s Fashion Design program one of the best in the country, but the university’s unique Co-op program allows students to get real-world experience through internships around the country.
“I love my city but when I am ready to get away, I can always just Co-Op in New York or wherever I want, it’s the best of both worlds!” Blumenstein says.
With Co-Op opportunities from companies like Tommy Hilfiger in New York, and Vans in Costa Mesa, California, the best of both worlds is exactly what Blumenstein is being offered.
“Tommy Hilfiger is offering its interns seventeen dollars an hour, so of course everyone wants the position,” said sophomore Kelsie Jones, Blumenstein’s friend and peer. “But if anyone is going to get the job it will most likely be Denise because she belongs in the city.”
From Blumenstein’s collection “Washed: turning worn-in denim into electric athleisure”. Photos by Denise Blumenstein.
Escaping to New York is always nice, but Blumenstein says there is plenty of inspiration right here in Cincinnati too. The design student says she gets a majority of her inspiration from fellow DAAP classmates, ‘trend watch’ sites like WGSN and in Over-The-Rhine, Cincinnati’s own urban cultural hub. Although it’s no SoHo or Brooklyn, Blumenstein feels it’s the “trendiest” part of town. Blumenstein currently works as an associate at a popular OTR boutique ‘The Most Beautiful Thing in the World Is’ -- more commonly referred to as ‘TMBTITWI’.
“My boss is always bringing back amazing finds from around the country and putting them in the store, she often asks for my creative input,” Blumenstein says.
With these experiences under her belt, as well as an education from Ohio’s best design school, Blumenstein is well on her way to a successful career in fashion.
“I don’t want to be my own boss, but the idea of being a creative director of sorts sounds amazing,” Blumenstein said about her career goals. “I constantly have all these style ideas in my head, I want to work with a team, for an already established brand, to help steer the trends of tomorrow.”