ALLENTOWN, Pa. — As a fashion student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Isriya McFillin mastered the art of sketching a croquis — the elongated fashion figure designers use to quickly bring ideas to life.
In a free workshop, McFillin will teach participants, inspired by the Allentown Art Museum's Tiffany Windows and Lamps exhibition, on how to design their own croquis and fashion concept using the master colors and lights found in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s iconic works.
McFillin's workshop is part of the museum's Third Thursday and will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
Attendees are encouraged to visit the Tiffany Windows exhibition before the workshop to observe the "layers of glass, flow of design and color gradients," she said.
“Then we’ll take that visual language and turn it into fashion — translating those same principles into fabric, form and movement.”
During the workshop, attendees will be supplied with fabrics and other much-needed items for their croquis.
“Fashion illustration isn’t just about drawing clothes — it’s about telling a story through posture, attitude and imagination,” McFillin said.
“You’re capturing energy, not just fabric.”
Finding her 'happy place'
When McFillin moved from Los Angeles to the Lehigh Valley four years ago with her husband and son, she found herself missing the pulse of the metro city — and constant artistic energy.
"The museum became my happy place — a space that reminded me of why I create.”Fashion designer Isriya McFillin
A visit to the Allentown Art Museum helped fill that void.
“It became my sanctuary,” McFillin said.
“In L.A., I was always surrounded by creative people — designers, artists, photographers.
"When I moved here, I missed that connection. The museum became my happy place — a space that reminded me of why I create.”
In Los Angeles, McFillin worked with brands such as Mek Denim and Guess, immersing herself in the technical world of designing denim, where fit, texture and wash were everything.
“Denim teaches you discipline,” she explained. “You’re dealing with structure, durability and constant experimentation with treatments and finishes."
One of McFillin’s favorite memories is when she unexpectedly spotted someone wearing one of her designs.
“There were a few times it happened — once at the airport, another time just walking around in a busy area,” she said.
“I saw this guy ahead of me wearing a pair of jeans, and I immediately recognized the back pocket detail — it was mine, and I was so excited that I actually pulled out my phone to take a picture,” she said.
Her resume also includes work with a private label design house that created collections for Nordstrom’s in-house brands, where she developed women’s sportswear for the retailer’s contemporary lines.
She later collaborated with independent, design-driven labels such as Wren, Made For Pearl (founded by Janis Joplin’s niece), Bellen Brand, and RTH Shop, creating everything from minimalist separates to genderless streetwear.
Some of those labels have shut down, but their mission — to merge fashion and sustainability — is something McFillin remains passionate about.
"When I lived in L.A., I really connected with the Made in L.A. movement — those local brands that produced everything right there in the city," she said. "It was about bringing craftsmanship and jobs back to the U.S., and that meant a lot to me.
“They were very eco-conscious,” she said.
“We worked with dye houses that used non-toxic chemicals and focused on minimizing waste. Everyone was aware of how fashion impacts the environment, and we were intentional about doing better.
"The more we can do for our country — and for the planet — the better. Fashion should be beautiful, but also responsible.”
Vibrant region
Looking ahead, McFillin hopes to continue working with the museum on future programs that merge fashion, sustainability and art — bringing a bit of her L.A. fashion sense to the growing creative community of the Lehigh Valley.
“This is such a vibrant region,” she said. “There’s talent here that deserves to be seen and celebrated."
McFillin, who is currently enrolled in an online course on fashion styling, has shifted her focus toward teaching and mentoring emerging creatives.
She believes fashion, like art, should be approachable — something that encourages self-expression — not exclusivity.
Her upcoming Third Thursday workshop will blend that encouragement with practical skill-building.
“I hope people walk away feeling inspired to create — whether it’s through clothing, painting or just seeing beauty differently."
“Art is a language, and fashion is one of its most personal dialects.”
The Allentown Art Museum is located at 31 N. Fifth St. Admission to the museum is free.
For information on the workshop and other events, visit the museum's website.
