Fashion classes often go unnoticed at Niles West. Naturally stylish senior Sophia Izquierdo, however, dedicates a part of every school day to fashion. While not many know about the hard work and passion that go into designing garments, Izquierdo does.

She has been interested in fashion since she was little, as Izquierdo and her mother would often go shopping together.

“Growing up, my mom and I would always go window shopping together at high-end retail stores in Chicago, like at the Magnificent Mile. I was always mesmerized by the different designers. I always loved fashion but did not realize that it could actually be a career until later in high school when I started taking fashion class,” Izquierdo said.

Classes including level one fashion design, construction, merchandising, and level two fashion workshop are all available at Niles West, taught by fashion teacher Michelle Kline.

“One thing I was proud of was making my own homecoming dress,” Izquierdo said.

This project is especially impressive because not many can say that they designed and made their own homecoming dress. Usually, high schoolers stress about finding a dress that fits well and isn’t too expensive, but Izquierdo didn’t have to worry about that.

Izquierdo’s friends also admire her sense of fashion and her dedication to honing her craft.

“I think Sophia’s really great at fashion design. I always think she’s dressed so cutely and can make something simple look so much better,” senior Rita Ismayl said.

Her fashion design experience is leading Izquierdo to study it in college as well. She is currently still deciding on a college, like most seniors at this time, but she is considering Columbia College in Chicago. Izquierdo hopes to move to Los Angeles after college while creating her own clothing line or business for modern streetwear.

Her friends also know that she will be successful in the future since they know how passionate she is about fashion design.

“I’m so happy that Sophia is majoring in something she enjoys instead of something conventional and boring,” senior Uros Tubic said. “She is the most fashionable person I know and I’m excited to see what she creates in the future.”

As Izquierdo moves on to study fashion and follows her dreams elsewhere, she will continue to value the creativity and freedom she has found in fashion design.

“My favorite thing about being involved in fashion is that I am able to be as creative as possible and create whatever I want,” Izquierdo said.