Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) students with a passion for fashion and costume design now have an exciting new opportunity to explore and develop their interests through the school’s new club, Collective Creatives. Spearheaded by Carina Roman, an experienced professional in fashion, film, and live entertainment, the club welcomes students in grades 8 through 12 who are curious about the world of design and are interested in the career possibilities in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Carina brings a wealth of experience to the program, with 18 years working in the dynamic industries of fashion and entertainment. “I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned,” Carina said. “This is a valuable, yet fading trade, and I want to help young designers gain the knowledge they need to succeed.” Having worked in Las Vegas—a city known for its vibrant entertainment scene—Carina sees Pahrump as the perfect place to start introducing young designers to the essentials of her craft.
Carina Roman stands out as a pioneering talent in wardrobe and costume design, enchanting audiences with her extraordinary creativity and steadfast commitment. As the former Head of Wardrobe for iLuminate Las Vegas, she transforms each performance into a stunning visual experience. Her artistic influence reaches beyond iLuminate, as she designs costumes for Cirque Du Soleil and oversees the department’s operations. Carina’s remarkable achievements include serving as a set costumer for local films and leading teams for major shows at the Zappos Theater. Collaborating with legendary artists such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and Christina Aguilera, she has made a significant impact on the Las Vegas entertainment landscape. Additionally, her role as vice president of The Las Vegas Fashion Design Council highlights her dedication to nurturing emerging designers and advancing the fashion industry. With a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology, Carina draws inspiration from her close relationships, instilling resilience and determination in others. Her relentless passion and exceptional talent firmly establish her as a visionary in wardrobe and costume design, continually inspiring those around her to break barriers and pursue excellence.
The club’s first meeting is set for November 18, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Great Basin College, Room #107. Regular meetings will typically take place on Mondays, though the initial meeting will set the stage by gauging student interest, establishing a club agenda, and brainstorming fundraising ideas.
Carina’s vision for Collective Creatives is rooted in providing hands-on experiences that will make a meaningful impact on students. “My goal is to give students small hands-on experiences in fashion design and costume creation, helping them build skills and understanding the needs to pursue careers in these fields,” she explained. Through the club, she hopes to not only inspire young creatives but also to build a foundation that could lead to a fashion and costume design course at Great Basin College. “This preparation will ensure that students are well-informed about the course expectations upon enrollment.”
In addition to her own expertise, Carina is partnering with PVHS teachers Mrs. Farnsworth and Mrs. Raubolt, both of whom bring a wealth of teaching experience and share a commitment to student development. Together, they are focused on mentoring the club members, helping them grow their skills, and supporting their creative journeys.
The Collective Creatives club will delve into various aspects of design, from the technical to the creative. Students will learn fundamental skills, including pattern-making, understanding the difference between commercial and industrial patterns, basic sewing techniques, fabric selection, and garment construction. “I’ll also introduce students to complementary skills, like knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and crafting,” Carina shared. “These additional skills will enhance their design toolkit, broadening their possibilities in fashion and costumes.”
Beyond the technical skills, Carina hopes to engage club members in collaborative projects that give them real-world experience. She envisions working with PVHS’s theater and media center to contribute to fashion shows, print media, plays, short films, and live performances. These projects will provide students with hands-on experience and teach them the importance of teamwork in bringing creative visions to life. “This will give students a chance to gain hands-on experience and learn the importance of teamwork in real projects,” Carina explained.
Through the Collective Creatives club, Carina hopes to inspire the next generation of designers and creators. She encourages any interested students to reach out for more information and looks forward to seeing what they will accomplish. “I look forward to helping our students bring their creative visions to life and seeing the amazing things they’ll accomplish!”
