Next in Fashion’s Megan O’Cain: “Style is a Labour of Love!” | Exclusive
Bazaar Arabia speaks to the Season 2 contestant about her experience on the fashion forward Netflix competition series…
The former dark days of the pandemic have now brought on a new phenomenon of styling, fueled by the desire to bring back the joy and wonder of life: dopamine dressing, as it’s called, is all about the psychology of how colours, patterns, and silhouettes can elevate our moods and experience a better day. This also often includes a hint of nostalgia, as we see the ’00s and other defining eras creeping their way back into our wardrobes as we subconsciously long for simpler, happier times.
And when thinking of fashion houses or designers that know how to add the ‘shine’ in Little Miss Sunshine, the likes of Molly Goddard, Gucci, Ganni, and Versace come into the mix, but one emerging designer we’d like to add to the list is none other than Next in Fashion, Season 2’s Megan O’Cain.
The NYC-based Parsons School of Design alumna is the embodiment of whimsical wonder and intentional exuberance. Speaking to Bazaar Arabia, the nostalgia-inducing designer explains how thrifting and upcycling is at the core of her work, her journey on the show, and tips on how to find yourself through fashion.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What made you decide to go on the show? Was it a difficult decision?
Megan O’Cain (MOC): When the opportunity for Next in Fashion came up I was very unsure about the idea of being on a reality show. I was applying for artist residencies and looking for a way to focus on the creative aspect of my brand rather than the business side.
I was burnt out on the constant cycle of work I was in to support myself and had totally neglected my personal life. It felt as if this was a sign for me and to not take it would be to be closed off to possibility and growth! I have always wanted to be able to share my work with the world although I hadn’t been sure how that would happen but this seemed like the perfect chance. After re-watching the first season of the show I felt sure that the tone of the show would be loving and focused on the work rather than drama, and that was the ultimate push for me. I wanted to be myself, not a caricature. Though it was scary it felt like the right choice for me.
HBA: Have your designs changed since being on the show? Has doing some of the out-there challenges changed your aesthetic in any way?
MOC: I don’t feel that the show has changed my designs. If anything, it has solidified my voice and how important it is for me to stay completely true to that. It also showed me just how much I can do. I even surprised myself in some of the challenges. I can iterate and build concepts/worlds in a matter of hours so why not keep doing that and go even bigger?
HBA: How did you feel when Gigi Hadid tried on your designs on the show?
MOC: The moment where Gigi tried on my Honey Bunny dress was one of the most surreal of the entire show! I made the original iteration of that dress in 2019 and it means so much to me – it represents the beginning of my brand as I graduated school. It is supposed to be a transition piece between our reality and a dream-state – a dress limbo. That’s where I was when I made it and to see it resonate with people is so exciting. The dress is half a character named Honey Bunny that I created, and half a traditional dress – the entire thing can then also turn into a bag. Seeing someone like Gigi Hadid wear it felt like a moment out of a dream so the whole thing was very full circle.
HBA: Is there any particular celebrity you would like to dress? Why?
MOC: There are many people I would like to dress! I would especially like to dress musicians like Melanie Martinez, Lily Allen, Tierra Whack, Aurora, and Bjork. I would also love to dress Jennifer Coolidge! The list goes on from there but really anyone who is playful and dresses with a sense of humor.
HBA: What was your favourite look on the show? Any challenge that particularly stood out to you?
MOC: If I were to choose one favorite look it would be the Disco Royalty Challenge (Episode One) I did, inspired by ABBA. I loved the larger theme challenges because I felt like it really allowed me to build an experience that was all my own. It felt like a perfect distillation of who I am as a designer and my skills. Plus, I got encouraging words from Donatella Versace so that will always stick in my brain! I’m very proud of that moment. My runner up’s would be my ‘Childhood'(episode 4) challenge look and ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’ (episode 6) challenge look.
HBA: What was the best part about being on the show?
MOC: For me, the best parts of the show were having the freedom to create and meeting the other designers. I work from a small home studio so having all the space equipment and fabric I could ever need was a dream come true! I really felt like I learned so much about fashion from the other designers. Fashion and design can be a really solitary practice so it was exciting to see such a different array of design perspectives every day and have people close by experiencing the ups and downs alongside you.
HBA: What was the hardest part about being on the show?
MOC: The hardest part of the show was balancing how much of the feedback you implement in a given moment. It is so important to be receptive to feedback but when you’re tired and spread thin it can be hard to really get an understanding of the bigger picture and your place in it. On a lighter note, I was also very tired and sometimes missed my own room and studio. I learned that I definitely need alone time at home to recharge! All of this was worth it of course it just taught me a lot about myself.
HBA: Are you still close with anyone on the show? Do you still speak with any of the contestants on a regular basis?
MOC: Yes I am! I really love every contestant and would consider them all to be my friends. I speak with Amari daily and am so grateful we have grown to be close. She brings such a warmth and levity to every situation! I also really connected with James and see him pretty regularly. He has the best sense of humor and is such a kind supportive person. Honestly I could go on about everyone. They are all so talented and loving!
HBA: What was your favourite behind-the-scenes moment that we didn’t get to see on the show?
MOC: I really loved being able to go out for food or a drink after the filming with everyone. We couldn’t do this too much because of the filming hours but the times we did I really cherish! I also loved coming back to set to see the finale show and celebrating afterwards. I was so proud of everyone’s hard work.
HBA: You have a very distinct aesthetic. What are your biggest influences behind your designs?
MOC: I grew up learning to sew from late 60s patterns and on an old machine from my Gram so a lot of my construction techniques came from that era. I also take a lot of inspiration from films I loved growing up like Beatles Yellow Submarine, and Harold and Maude. Vintage and working in thrift/second hand shops in my teens also heavily influenced my work. I also gain a lot of inspiration from illustration. Drawing is a huge part of my practice. I draw grand ideas and silhouettes and challenge myself to develop the techniques to make them a reality. A lot of my process is sort of sculptural. So I would say my inspiration is a mix of personal childhood nostalgia and late 60s era sensibilities mixed with my sense of humor.
HBA: You spoke about the importance of sustainability in your work during the Thrift Challenge, how do you maintain sustainability in your design work?
MOC: For much of my work I use deadstock or vintage fabric! My business up to this point has been largely using second hand materials and creating one off pieces. Some of my use of secondhand materials began out of necessity because I didn’t always have the funds to buy new fabric and secondhand options were always a part of my life. Although it may have begun out of necessity I quickly saw just how many fabrics and clothes truly exist and are sadly disposed of. It made me sad to think of beautiful garments and fabrics with stories attached to them being thrown out. Currently I also make small production runs so as not to create too much waste in addition to my upcycling and custom pieces. I try my best to create pieces that last and can continue bringing people joy.
HBA: Do you have any advice for people wanting to have a more sustainable style?
MOC: I would say one of the most sustainable and sometimes one of the hardest things you can do in fashion is to find your personal style. There’s so much noise on social media and in fashion that it can be hard to listen to your instincts. Trends contribute so much to waste and the perpetuation of fast fashion so I would say finding the right fit for you is really essential! Its all about how you feel- clothes should feel empowering and true to you. Beyond finding your own personal style I would say thrifting of course and getting your clothes fitted to you by a tailor. Repairing the clothes you have now and being willing to invest in your pieces will really extend the longevity. If you’re feeling up to it I would also encourage everyone to learn to hand sew and mend so you can do little edits and customisations yourself- style is a labor of love!
HBA: You have the most colourful designs on the show. Would you ever be open to creating something in black?
MOC: Using color definitely feels the truest to me as a designer, but I would consider working in monochrome. Maybe an all-black look could really highlight my construction and volume!
HBA: What’s going on in your life right now? What are your plans for the future?
MOC: I’m working hard on getting everyone’s orders out and continuing to build my online store! I’m also in the early stages of building my next collection. I’m so grateful for all the support.
Looking forward, I would love to have my own store with a workshop soon! I would also love to create more custom looks for the red carpet or performers. I’m really hopeful for the future of my brand and excited to see my plans evolve over time!
Although we’re yet to see Megan design an all-black look, we recommend you take a page out of her book and add a little bit more colour and wonder to your daily outfits.
Lead Image Courtesy: / @nextinfashion
