Fashion student breaks into career early

While most fashion design majors are required to obtain an internship to receive their certificate, student Denisse Lopez is well ahead of the class with a job as one of the designers for a clothing line.

“I started in Lip Service as an intern but kept asking about possibly working there and a few sessions into my internship I moved up, which is not common,” said Lopez.

Lip Service’ style designs are unique and for all genres of rock, from punk to gothic and dates back to the 80s where Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses wore one of the jackets.

Lopez describes her style as similar to Lip Service’ but more sophisticated.

“My stuff is of a higher price point, but still really hard core, and super classic rock. My collection will be a lot of leather, studs, and spikes,” she said.

Lopez keeps a busy schedule with her new job as designer for Lip Service, sales associate for Urban Outfitters, and full-time student entering her last semester at PCC.

“I don’t have time for anything, I never have days off. I know what I’m going to do everyday, but I love my job,” she said.

Fashion Design instructor and head of the department Jennifer Orsini believes Lopez is on the right path.

“[Lopez] injects her personality into her designs and she has a good sense of the market. She was offered a job so that has been a great start to her career,” said Orsini.

Prior to working for Lip Service, Lopez interned for designer Brian Lichtenberg whose clothing can be seen on many famous artists including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian.

Lopez says she finds her inspiration for her designs from other girls.

“I really like rock n’ roll, I think it’s my niche. I go to concerts and get inspiration from the way girls dress there,” she said.

In the future Lopez sees herself designing custom clothing for customers as well as having a more wearable full collection. Aside from designing Lopez also modeled for Lip Service.

“I modeled for Lip Service too! It was really fun because I used to model but never a rock n’ roll line. I was jumping around and being hardcore,” she said.