Kayla Stephenson — BFA Fashion Design 2025

Systems & Society

Daydreams of Yesteryear: How Reflecting on Memories Fosters Unified Individuals

"Daydreams of Yesteryear" is a collection inspired by my childhood influences and personal development. Through second-hand material exploration, I translated nostalgic moments into physical textiles. Several of the garments are reinterpretations of ones I wore as a child. Additionally, about sixty percent of the materials were sourced from my late grandmother's wardrobe. The goal is to highlight the importance of nostalgia as a healthy coping mechanism. We can utilize nostalgia as a tool for self-reflection and grounding rather than using it as a means of escape.

by Kayla Stephenson

Bio

My name is Kayla Stephenson, and I'm from a small town in New Jersey. I began my journey at Parsons Paris and transferred to New York after freshman year. Throughout my time at university, my work has consistently centered around themes of growing up, home, and nostalgia. In addition, sustainability is imperative to my design process. The planet cannot afford more waste, so I prioritize working with existing materials, from secondhand garments to extend the life cycles of these items. Though I love to design, I am especially drawn to styling. I find deep fulfillment when reimagining how garments are worn and experimenting with silhouettes. I aim to preserve the past through my work while creating space for new memories, meaningful connections, and self-discovery.

kaylaastephenson@gmail.com & @kaylastephensonn