Conversations with Paris Bourn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paris Bourn.

Hi Paris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey isn’t a typical one. I didn’t have a grand dream of fashion as a kid, and in my early years I didn’t practice design beyond sketching. I had no one who was in the field I desired, and I never knew where to start. One day, I heard that designing could be a career, and I ran with it. It stayed in my heart from roughly middle school until now, and today I describe it as a gift. It took time to see myself in the fashion space and recognize its potential. I never pictured myself in many of the areas I’ve seen around me, I only knew I would be doing something creative. I don’t have it all together, and that’s the fun part of designing. My process and perspective are my own, and that’s one of the things that makes me stand out and I am learning to appreciate. I started with no dream of owning a business, no knowledge of how to design, and no idea how to share my point of view through clothing. In high school I gained business and entrepreneurial knowledge, and I decided I would study fashion design in college and learn to make everything I used to draw. I wanted proper guidance and fundamental technique that I could build on and make my own.

In 2021, I studied at Kent State University, where I received my degree in Fashion Design with a minor in Entrepreneurship and got the start I’d been looking for. Those four years changed my life for the better and opened a door I once didn’t know was possible. I went from a hope and a vague dream to real skills and direction. In the summer of 2024, I studied at Kent State’s New York City program, and it changed how I think. Getting there took a lot of effort and came with many setbacks, but being in the city that never sleeps taught me to think bigger and differently, even though I don’t come from a major city. It also reminded me to enjoy the journey and have fun. More recently earlier this year, I visited London for the first time and helped at the London College of Fashion MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation pop-up and “Demo Day.” Being able to help in any way I could and simply be in the room was enough to make me feel grateful. I didn’t envision any of this as a little girl, so when I take a step back and share these things, it leaves me in awe. Seeing life beyond what I’m used to, sparked a new mindset and creative outlet that I want to hold onto. I love traveling, and each place shows me another way to grow and develop. And being a thoughtful designer, it helps me stay true to myself with dreaming big and seeing how I can shine my light no matter where I go. Now, a little over a year after graduating and out of the college bubble, I’m learning how to navigate adulthood, expand my skillset, and remember my “why.” My goal isn’t just to make clothes. It’s to give people another reason to feel good in a world full of bad, and to help them embrace who they were created to be.

I am who I am today because of the light that lives inside of me and the support around me. My family like my amazing mom, my brothers and sister, and my nephew are my village that have seen me through it all. Before anyone came into the picture, it was always them. Everything I am trying to do is to demonstrate to them how good it can get. Also, my wonderful friends: Caitlyn, Evonne, Yonzanae, Karla, Racheal, Ciarra, and Nanya. They have stood by my side through multiple seasons of life and have held me up more than they know. Having likeminded, inspiring, and supportive people around me means everything. And the biggest thanks to the One who makes all things possible. Currently, I’m developing my brand which is launching soon while growing in fashion design, technical design, interior design, sales, and consulting. I’m finally seeing how far I can go.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nope. My journey has been very up and down……I had a lot to learn and still do. The fashion industry is a powerhouse with so many avenues, it’s easy to lose track. It is not easy to be the first to do something, and it’s not easy to maintain, but I’ve come to believe that what matters most is being as authentic to myself as possible and let it show in my work. We all have a story and that is something you can’t duplicate. Staying focused while watching my dreams take shape is tough when the dream grows bigger and the possibilities are becoming reality. I am used to being the quiet and reserved girl in the back some may notice but never make known, and now inching forward into the direct opposite almost every day is nerve wrecking. A smooth and easy road would have been nice, but the character development I’ve gone through is shaping the woman I’m becoming, and I can say it’s worth it. Without the tough moments I would never really know how to appreciate when it gets better.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Streetwear with a strong technical design background. I love blending comfort with elevated design to make people look, feel, and think good about themselves. I am most known for my ability to push the boundaries of style with outside of the box prints, designs, and presentation.

I am most proud of how purpose driven I am with everything I do, the ability to tell a story with my designs, and how I’ve grown in confidence and skill through the years. What sets me apart is my perspective on streetwear and the connection with the wearer. It’s more than a hoodie and sweatpants. It’s not reserved just for a random outing, it can transition to a red carpet or walk down a runway. Streetwear has grown to show it’s not meant to fit in a box and neither am I. I deconstruct existing silhouettes to create new ones, and I merge several areas of design, including my recent experience in interior design and technical design, so each piece is considered in how it looks, fits, and is built. I know what it’s like to feel down and I know what it’s like to feel like the happiest person in the world. That connection to themselves is something I want people to feel when they wear my garments.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Stay up to date with everything through my social media and website 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://parisbourn.squarespace.com
• Instagram: @bournoriginal
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisabourn