Vogue Magazine shows off SCAD graduate’s military-inspired collection

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Hard work is paying off for one Savannah native who recently graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design’s School of Fashion. Jaiylnn Tabanico’s Utilitarian Feminine collection highlighting her upbringing and personal style was featured in Vogue.

Designs once tucked away into her mind now fall into formation on paper

“This is my inspiration book,” Tabanico said. “This is a sketch I did of a jacket. I knew I wanted to do a lot of jackets and outerwear.”

For this recent Savannah College of Art and Design graduate, the dream started back in high school.

“I’ve always been a crafty artistic person and I’ve also loved fashion too. I used to watch America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway.”

Now THAT version of her would be blown away at the designs marching out of this book and coming to life.

The Collection

“Hi my name is Jailynn Tabanico, and this is my line Utilitarian Feminine.”

It features unparalleled, military-inspired styles using unique materials like parachutes.

“You kind of have that drapey feel. So, whenever someone is walking in these pants, they’re like floating.”

Tabanico took different shades of green and made this camouflage pattern by hand and the details get even more tedious.

“The pants design was also inspired by the top of a parachute and it’s actually 12 pieces on each leg front and back.”

There’s a story behind each piece---including this hand dyed jacket.

“I ran out of the dye. So, I drove all the way to Jacksonville one day to pick up the rest of the dye that the place had.”

From mannequins and showcasing Utilitarian Feminism through a camera lens

To the SCAD runway. The small things, like searching for the perfect dye, paid off after three of her pieces were featured in a leading fashion publication-Vogue.

“I really was excited because it’s such a special opportunity for someone coming right out of undergrad and getting public recognition.”

The Inspiration

The most important recognition though comes from the person who inspired it all.

“My dad, he was retired from the military, so I wanted to take that aspect of his and intertwine it with mine.”

She did that by weaving scraps of military bags and jackets into internationally seen fashion now seen internationally. Tabanico says it tells a story of her upbringing.

“Staying true to myself is being a strong woman, a strong independent woman. I feel it has a big impact in getting me where I am today.”

Today she’s a recent graduate with a vogue feature under her belt, but in a few years she hopes to see her designs on celebrities and models.

“I really want to get featured in Vogue again and just really do a lot of collaboration work and just design.”

As she looks ahead, she’s also thinking of the high schooler she once was---hoping the next generation of designers sees her story and knows dedication can take you far.

“Your work is going to speak for itself. I feel like the only person that would hinder you from getting where you want to be is yourself.”