A Brookdale Community College Fashion Design professor, Sheridan O’Hea, has taken the global stage, showcasing a mesmerizing collection at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week. Inspired by the magic and thrill of the circus, her designs captivated audiences with their vibrant colors, bold silhouettes, and unique use of fabrics.
O’Hea shared that her fascination with the circus has been a lifelong influence on her creative process. “I have always been drawn to the incredible characters and their unique skills,” she said. “The circus performers get one chance to amaze their audience, just like a fashion show, where months of hard work are condensed into a few magical moments on the runway.”
Her collection strayed from the typical ready-to-wear approach, reflecting her ambition to become a costume designer for movies. By blending unconventional materials with eye-catching, character-driven designs, she pushed the boundaries of traditional fashion. “Movies are a huge influence for me, and I use fashion shows to practice my skills,” she added.
Creating the collection wasn’t without its hurdles. Working multiple jobs while preparing for the show left her just three to four weeks to complete the pieces. Despite time constraints, she prioritized sustainability by sourcing recycled and remnant fabrics. This creative decision sometimes led to fabric shortages, but she skillfully adapted, reimagining her designs on the fly.
“Fashion waits for no one,” she remarked. “It’s about working with what you have and finding creative solutions.”
O’Hea admitted that preparing for Paris Fashion Week was grueling, often working late into the night while balancing her teaching duties at Brookdale and a second full-time job. “The dream and the dedication are what get me through,” she explained. “I want to be a role model for my students, showing them that hard work and focus can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.”
She emphasized that her experience at Paris Fashion Week wasn’t just for herself. It was for her students, too. “They inspire me,” she said. “I hope they see that they can achieve their fashion goals if they put in the work. I want to be a resource for them, helping them navigate the competitive fashion world.”
O’Hea said she couldn’t do it without her incredible team that supported her throughout Paris Fashion Week. “Carly Draper and Nicole Callamaras made their runway debuts, bringing my designs to life with grace and enthusiasm. My backstage assistant and stylist, Lila Clark flawlessly managed the chaos of fittings and show day, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Julia D’Ambola, my talented photographer, captured the essence of my collection with her stunning photography, while Sofia Gonzalez offered invaluable behind-the-scenes assistance and constant encouragement. Kahryn Henry, my best friend, was in charge of garment quality control and made sure I took care of myself during the hectic preparation. Lastly, my boyfriend, Tyler Lenaz, provided honest feedback and pushed me to be my best, ensuring I never settled for less. Their support carried me through this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Although the exhaustion leading up to the show was intense, she remains eager for her next challenge, already planning for future shows like LA Fashion Week. “Fashion is an adventure, and you never know where it will lead,” she said.
Her advice to aspiring designers emphasized the importance of perseverance, humility, and confidence. “You will fail at some point, but that makes you better. Fashion is about pushing boundaries, and with enough dedication, anyone can succeed.” She also offered advice that applies to all industries: “It’s important to be nice and humble. You never know who your competition is, who might be willing to help you, or who could become your next great connection. Encourage and inspire others, treat them with kindness, and take criticism graciously.”
Annmarie Hughes, associate professor of Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Brookdale, praised O’Hea’s accomplishment, stating, “Her journey to Paris Fashion Week is not only a personal achievement but also a beacon of inspiration for her students and the next generation of fashion designers at Brookdale Community College.”