President and Head Designer, Claudine Fashion, Inc.

2008 Graduate, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, Miami International University of Art & Design

As the president and head designer for Claudine Fashion, Inc., Marcella C. Stark is responsible for overseeing design and business management. She states that the best parts of her job involve the opportunity to be creative while also attending events, networking, participating in fashion shows, meeting new people, and traveling. But perhaps the best perk? She gets to wear her own designs.

Marcella’s inspirations include people, media, and fabric. She adds that her mother is her fashion icon. “I grew up influenced by her passion for art and fashion,” she asserts. Marcella also believes that earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design degree from The Miami International University of Art & Design played a valuable role in helping her to achieve her fashion goals. “The technical courses, like the construction and pattern making as well as the entrepreneurship (classes), had a positive impact in my career,” she says. Marcella is now applying what she learned in school to her career, helping her to succeed as not only a designer, but as a businesswoman.

Marcella believes that up and coming fashion trends will include eco-friendly fibers, natural colors, and flow styles. “(But) on the other hand, I see in women the necessity to enhance the human body with structured looks and geometrical silhouettes,” she states. Her own designs will continue to give importance to functionality as well as a consciousness of today's financial situation. “I have created reversible styles (dresses, tops, skirts). This way I give my customers two different options in only one style. I also utilize design elements like waist detachable belts, waist bands, bow ties that give one garment a new look.”