Hello! I’m Cayla Smith
Where it began.
An Interest is Piqued.
During the COVID lockdown, countless hours spent watching Project Runway with my mom helped me realize that this long-standing interest had grown into a true passion. That realization led me to pursue fashion on a collegiate level. Attending Longleaf School of the Arts played a pivotal role in nurturing my creative voice, particularly within costuming. There, I was given the opportunity to serve as head of the theater’s costume department, where I developed a deeper appreciation for storytelling through clothing and learned how design functions within a collaborative, performance-driven space.
(Linen dress, Created by me, 2025)
Fashion design has been a constant presence in my life, evolving alongside me. From making dresses for my dolls as a child to designing and constructing my own prom dress in high school, clothing has always been a way for me to assert autonomy and express freedom. Design became not just something I enjoyed, but a language through which I could communicate identity, confidence, and creativity.
(Senior year prom dress, Created by me, 2022)
The College Level.
My collegiate journey began at Drexel University in 2023, where I studied Fashion Design at the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. The program challenged me creatively while immersing me in the fast-paced, competitive nature of the fashion industry. During this time, I participated in Drexel’s Annual Garbage Gala, an event centered on sustainability and innovation. My corset dress—constructed from over 50 stuffed animals and a clear shower curtain—placed in the top 10 out of 47 participating students, reinforcing my interest in experimental materials and conceptual design.
I am currently completing my senior year at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies with a concentration in Apparel Design, with plans to graduate in Fall 2026. UNCG has provided me with valuable opportunities to further refine my technical and conceptual skills through coursework and extracurricular involvement, including participation in UNCG Threads’ annual fashion shows.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the Books.
As I prepare to transition from academia into the industry, I am actively seeking internships, assistant roles, and entry-level opportunities within styling and costume design for film and visual media. I am eager to work in environments that value collaboration, storytelling, and hands-on production, where I can continue learning while contributing thoughtfully to creative projects.