A needle and a dream

Fashion major Christopher J. Atkinson is a prodigy for clothes making. This designer is a one-of-a-kind artist who is not afraid of daring patterns, styles or colors. Having a vision since middle school, Atkinson worked in the basement of grandparent’s house with various ideas flowing through his head into the night. And now, being a sophomore in college he has designed three shows, each produced independently with all designs brought to life from the sketchpad. Atkinson states, “My biggest thing that I’ve learned in the process of designing was not to compromise my vision.” I agree with this statement, from knowing the 20-year-old artist, I have never once seen him give up a dream or concept of his.

Atkinson was born and raised in Indianapolis by his grandparents, Juanita and Harold Gilbert. He was always a bright young man. Atkinson was always a very inquisitive young boy and was always interested in how things were made. He was always curious about being able to deconstruct and reconstruct something in his mind. His overall mindset came from that and wanting to know all the pieces and parts to a piece of clothing. “I want people to feel something when they see what I’m projecting to them; it is important to enlighten people and make them have an emotional reaction to what I’m portraying.” Christopher finds that despite the emotional differences in people, he knows that he must never compromise a vision.

While he didn’t get the emotional backing of his grandparents to follow through, he did receive the support. His grandmother never discouraged what he wanted to do. She was a more practical woman; however, she brought balance to his life during his self-discovery. “If I wasn’t influenced by her practicality, I believe I would be floating on a fantasy cloud,” he said. As for his grandfather, he was often amazed at how Jordan could construct something. “He’ll watch me for hours, I used to think it was the creepiest thing in the world, but I realize now that he was amazed, and I find that amazing.”

Christopher has had his hands in just about everything, from photography to marketing for programs such as fashion shows, magazines and many other events. He has been involved in high school and collegiate fashion shows. His favorite was his very own. He conducted a fashion show fall 2013 at his high school, Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School. It was definitely a show to remember and there were musical guests and refreshments. It exemplified classy, and very much Atkinson’s taste with the materials in his possession. “It is all about the experience,” he said. “Completing it was very refreshing and experiential. The best part was that

people were able to come and experience something.” Atkinson plans to do many more shows. “I have to stay up-to-date,” Atkinson says. “The hardest part is to remain inspired to complete a full look or collection, but I plan to do so.”

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Story taken directly from Lynsey’s blog.

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