Juanny Alcaraz
chicago based fashion designer
Juana (Juanny) Alcaraz, is a fashion designer from Chicago. She graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Originally from Mexico, she moved to the Chicago suburbs at the age of two. Her interest in illustration, fashion and sewing started while watching her mother, a seamstress at work. Juana’s designs are inspired by her Mexican heritage, American pop culture and vintage fashion. Her most recent work is influenced by personal obstacles, her experience while serving in the U.S Air Force, and her journey to reach professional goals.
Senior collection
UN/BIND
Senior thesis. Created and presented 2021-2022
while at SAIC fashion department.
Restrain, restrict, obstruct, disentangle, untether, and liberate are all key words used in the research for my senior thesis. This collection was inspired by personal experiences, obstacles and the fight to regain control of my life and future. Visual inspiration came from works of art like installations that used rope and electrical tape or photography, images that brought back memories and instilled feelings I had during difficult times. The collection is an attempt to tell a story. It is composed of structured and edgy garments, offset by a bit of elegance and fluidity. UN/BIND transitions from dark colors, heavier fabrics and from fitting silhouettes to moving away from the body. The introduction of lighter colors and textiles are meant to depict stages from feeling trapped to liberating one’s self, the journey of freedom. Although the concept derives from a personal experience, everyone goes through hard times and is fighting their own battles. My intention for UN/BIND and its progression is not only to reach an audience but bring hope that they too can overcome their obstacles.
Photographer - Katie Murray
junior COLLECTION
CULTURA
Junior thesis. Created and presented 2020-2021
while at SAIC fashion department.
Photographer - Abigail Teodori
Photographer - Juanny Alcaraz
The collection began as an effort to learn more about my own heritage. Initially inspired by traditions passed down from generation to generation including folkloric dance and handcrafts such as embroidery, macramé, & crochet. CULTURA has become a research of movement, textures and color found in Mexican culture. In addition to better understanding my roots, this collection has given me the opportunity for a mother-daughter collaboration.
illustrations
Illustrations created on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
For additional work examples…