Aspiring designer from Burbank creates her own prom dress to prepare for career in fashion industry

Even before she stepped into her prom dress, Reavis High School senior Natalia Kwak, of Burbank, knew it would be perfect.

That’s because every inch, detail, embellishment, stitch and cut were hers. She had created the dress, based on one from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” all by herself, although she was not alone. She also had a great support system to help her along the way.

“I wanted my senior prom to be special, and making my prom dress made it so rewarding and unforgettable,” Kwak said.

She started plans for the dress last year.

“As an aspiring fashion designer, I knew this would be a perfect opportunity to improve my skills and challenge myself to bring my designs to the next level,” she said.

Reavis Fashion Teacher, Susan Ventrella, who guided Kwak through the process, was happy to be part of the project.

“I enjoy supporting her as she talks through the challenges and celebrating with her when she returns to class the next day explaining how she overcame obstacles. It is so inspiring and rewarding to see a young person shoot for their dreams and attain them using hard work and determination,” Ventrella said.

Kwak’s 13-year-old sister, Emilia was a “voluntary assistant” in the dressmaking process, Kwak said, helping with “choosing fabric, bedazzling the dress, taking my pictures/videos, and so much more.”

The “Sleeping Beauty theme came from Kwak’s childhood admiration of Disney princesses.

“I wanted this dress to be memorable and nostalgic,” she said. “And my favorite color is pink.”

Work began about two months before the April 28 dance, and it took 117 hours to complete the dress.

Having just taken up sewing a year ago, Kwak didn’t enter the process as an expert.

“I felt lost during multiple parts of the design process,” she said. “There were a lot of original errors and challenges throughout making this dress. I probably made at least three dresses before getting to this final one due to mistakes. In the end, I was determined to finish this project and did not give up.”

The process immersed her in fashion design as she zeroed in on what she would like to make her career.

Throughout her time at Reavis, Kwak had been heavily involved in extracurricular activities — clubs such as Family, Career and Community Leadership of America, National Honor Society, Communications Club, Theatre, Environmental Club and Student Council. She also participated on the school’s volleyball and track teams.

“I took a break from my sports and clubs to prioritize my fashion career. Although I was sad about leaving my favorite sports and clubs, my fashion career meant so much more to me,” Kwak said.

After graduation she plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City majoring in fashion design, where she said her first year will involve study abroad in Florence, Italy. Kwak received the Burbank Community Scholarship and a Reavis High School Foundation Scholarship to help fund her studies.

But before she would embark on her future, she put her dress on display for her friends at Reavis at Prom at Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park, which she attended with he closest friends. Afterward, they went to IHOP, their go-to restaurant.

“It was almost nostalgic being there after prom, especially at 1 a.m.,” she said. “It was a very beautiful night full of genuine laughter and smiles, and I am very thankful for all of my friends and the memories that I made.”

Margie Ritchie is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.