Success Stories

Megan van Engelen

Megan van Engelen is a Dutch designer currently located in Utrecht (The Netherlands). Right after she graduated in Fashion Design at Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht (HKU) in 2022, Megan started working professionally. Her daily activities include fashion design, filmmaking (directing, writing), styling, and performance, reflecting her multifaceted approach to creativity. Regarding her design aesthetic, she describes it as bold, narrative-driven and imaginative.  

Megan’s work is characterized by the integration of personal narratives within high fashion pieces. Her inspiration comes from diverse sources, including new beginnings in nature (flowers, spring), strong women in classic cinema such as Marlene Dietrich and Mae West, and activist/pop art artworks. However, at the core of her creative process are personal stories often overlooked by mainstream media, which she weaves into her work to provide insights and comfort and challenge existing beliefs. She is concerned about the healthcare in her region in the Netherlands and how it resonates towards young people. 

A recurring message in her work is the reflection on her personal past, aiming to create a deeper understanding and connection with others but also, shake their perspectives. This personal touch is evident in her standout projects, including her graduation work ‘Het Cluster B Effect,’ which won the grand prize at the Łódź Young Fashion Film Festival 2022 and first place at the Epson Design Awards 2022. Megan credits her success to the collaborative efforts of those who helped realize these projects, underscoring her appreciation for teamwork. 

FASHIONCLASH has played a pivotal role in Megan’s career. She showcased her film ‘Becoming Me(gan)’ at the 2021 edition, participated in the fashion film bootcamp 2023 edition, and showcased ‘Het Cluster B Effect’ at the 2023 edition. FASHIONCLASH helped Megan see fashion beyond mainstream projections, allowing her to embrace the artistic side of her designs. The platform also connected her with the theater group DEGASTEN, where she designed costumes for their educational play, further broadening her creative horizons. 

Reflecting on her experience with FASHIONCLASH, Megan claims “I attended the talk about fashion in the performative arts. It really was a shifting moment in my maker ship and how I view fashion. The way I had been seeing fashion, big shows with many looks on the runway, a big team, working from a foreign country. It made me realize fashion is so much different to me within that context. That it’s more about expression and how we communicate a story towards the viewer/client rather than big commercial shows.” Megan envisions a future where fashion is more inclusive and understanding, particularly towards women and the queer community. She hopes for better healthcare and deeper connections among people. Sustainability is also a key aspect of her work; she sources second hand items for styling projects and sketches rough designs based on available materials, letting her finds define the final outfit. 

To the question ‘Where do you see yourself in ten years’ Megan answers that she would like to have an atelier in which she can work on projects for film and theater. Additionally, she dreams of directing and writing fashion commercials, and collaborating with music artists like Lady Gaga, St. Vincent, and Doja Cat.  

Despite the challenges of balancing work, freelance projects, and personal life, Megan remains optimistic and driven. She aims to deepen her knowledge in filmmaking, specifically in directing, and hopes to work with like-minded individuals who believe in maintaining personal boundaries and rejecting the notion that success requires suffering.