Create What’s Next

Watch now to see how Jefferson is preparing students to create what’s next in Architecture, Design and Fashion & Textiles.

Collaboration by Design

One up-and-coming designer finds fashion synergy.

When Tommy Heidebrecht conceptualized the designs that would become his ethereal, gender fluid senior collection, he knew he couldn’t create them alone. Luckily, Thomas Jefferson University’s faculty encourages students to work across disciplines. We sat down with the designer to talk about the teamwork that brought his vision to life.

Tommy found his design partners through a process he calls “creative speed dating.” After quick consults with a number of potential collaborators, he clicked with two textile design students, Emily Reppert and Jacquelyn Moore. “From there,” he says, “we worked within our own unique creative process. They made mockups and samples, and I gave feedback until we arrived at a final design.”

That process, Tommy says, was deeply satisfying. “Our thoughts bounced off each other’s, and we ended with designs far better than we could have made on our own,” he says.

The results were bold and original. “Emily and I created a custom jacquard fabric by weaving four separate pieces together so the designs would be mirrored on the ensemble,” he says. “It was extremely technically difficult, but the product is beautiful.”

“Working with other creative minds enhances our understanding of our own professions. We can always learn from different perspectives.”

With Jacquelyn Moore, Tommy conceived of the background for his engineered digital print. “The university’s digital printers allow students to print graphics on fabrics in days,” he says. The resulting embroidery-like motifs resembles a mystical ink blot test and elevates his evening wear with an otherworldly quality. Collaboration means more brain power that leads to better ideas.

"Collaboration means more brain power that leads to better ideas."

As a prep course for the fashion world, this kind of collaboration couldn’t be more on point. From independent lines to global brands, designers rely on teams to create, produce and manufacture what’s in their heads.