Basking Ridge College Student Is Finalist in Design for Phillies Ballgirl Uniform

Only a junior at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Jessica Mintz of Basking Ridge would seem to be on the fast track toward a career in fashion design as evidenced by a host of exciting opportunities.

Mintz, a 2008 Ridge High School graduate, has been chosen as one of 14 finalists in the Macy’s Phillies Ballgirls Design Challenge. She also works as an intern with designer Nanette Lapore, was recently selected by Drexel University to enter a children’s wear collection competition and was chosen to enter the Women’s Wear Portfolio in the Geoffrey Beene competition.

Mintz's Phillies Ballgirl Uniform design will be showcased during a fashion show at Macy’s Center City in Philadelphia on March 31. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges.

Mintz said she knew early on that she wanted to be a designer.

“I knew since I was really young. I taught myself how to sew with my mom’s thread and needle. She saw I had an interest, and I begged her for a sewing machine, which she bought for my birthday. I would spend hours at Michael’s and the fabric stores,” Mintz recalled.

She said she takes great delight in the power of fashion.

“I love how clothes can transform people into different personalities. I like how a piece of fabric can be made into something extravagant and unobvious. It is like making a walking piece of art, and showing the world your own perspective,” said Mintz.

She said what she loves most about the fashion industry is that it is constantly changing and she said she hopes to contribute to the industry by launching her own company focusing on a new look for the young adult seeking middle to higher end clothing.

Mintz said her sources of inspiration come from other people’s art and visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art on a regular basis as well as gathering insights and ideas from visiting museums around the world.

“I also am inspired by architecture and futuristic devices such as cars and motorcycles with sleek and modern lines. I believe that this is where the future of the fashion industry is headed, so I like to juxtapose the traditional and pretty with the new and contemporary,” said Mintz.

While attending Ridge High School, Mintz said she launched a fashion club. She said she also studied with Jennifer Siletski in Springfield to learn how to make handbags.

“She taught me how to completely pattern-make and create from scratch, professional leather-handbags,” said Mintz.

Mintz, who often works throughout the night, said this is quite common for fashion design majors because they get such a heavy amount of work. She said she believes they have more work than engineering majors.

“The designing and drawing process is extremely creative and conceptual. It takes about fifty sketches to produce a few good drawings — finding inspiration is a whole other task in itself. Then we have to go from a flat sketch to a three dimensional garment. This entails flat patternmaking and draping, which is extremely mathematical. And then sewing and construction is extremely technical,” Mintz said of the design process.

Mintz is currently working on a sportswear collection with designer Alex Pearson and has worked as an intern for two handbag companies, Manolucci and Mundi Westport.

In addition to her fashion design classes, she said she loves anthropology because she can learn about the different civilizations and cultures around the world.

She also plays tennis on the Drexel University Club Tennis Team for which she prepared during her four years on the Ridge High School Varsity Tennis Team.

Working tirelessly and passionately, Mintz doesn’t seem to mind the hard work and long hours — she’s committed to changing the fabric of the world in her own way.