Savraj Moore is from Lexington, VA. He is majoring in FMD, expected to graduate in May 2024.
@Raj_Cloth is my Instagram/brand where I sell second-hand clothes, personal creations, and various ideas.
Sunset In Appalachia. This outfit is a cropped asymmetric jacket made of navy linen and cream lace on top, with a low-rise navy linen maxi skirt that features a cream lace overlay on the bottom. Brown leather buttons, light blue contrast stitching, and silver accessories are details featured throughout the look. Inspired by the shades of blue found in an Appalachian sunset, this look is calming and serene. The model will wear heels, a loose bun, and blue-tone makeup to complete the look.
Spring At House Mountain Meadow. This outfit is a distressed mohair sweater in Sage and Yellow Bell over a black tee on top, with flared canvas raver pants in black, Sage, and cream on the bottom. Silver hardware and black leather are details featured throughout the outfit, along with a lace scarf and a pair of vintage Oakley glasses to complete the outfit. The inspiration behind this outfit comes from the meadow that is found in the saddle of House Mountain, and the coming of Spring.
The first look is the setting of the sun on the death we experience in Winter, and the second look is the rise of the Spring morning as we look forward to new growth.
My inspiration is from where I grew up: Appalachia. The natural beauty of the landscape I have been surrounded and engulfed in provides limitless inspiration. On the other hand, it is an area that lacks any serious fashion scene and many other opportunities. Addiction, poverty, and depression run rampant in the area and young men are not encouraged to be creative and expressive, especially through clothing. My style is birthed from wanting to express the beauty I’ve been shown in a way I was not encouraged to by that society. Thankfully, the women in my family showed me early on that clothing and creative expression were an option for everyone, including myself. Through school and personal interests, I have learned what techniques, fabrics, and silhouettes I like to use to express my story. I strive for a humble, approachable, and fun style that can inspire those to come behind me.
I’d like to thank my mother, Mukanday Moore, for her part in knitting the mohair sweater for look 2 and so much more. And I’d like to thank my friends, family, and community for being there throughout my growth as a designer. And, finally, VDR for giving fashion an opportunity at a school and an area where it is sadly uncommon.