Oakland high school student Zachary Fernandez made it to the finals on the first season of Project Runway Junior, then headed straight back to Oakland School of the Arts to continue his education as a designer. His newest collection, Kathmandu, was inspired by recovery efforts in Nepal after the devastating 2015 earthquake. Art School followed Fernandez’s process as he sketched, sourced fabric, and designed his new project, revealed at a culminating fashion show in spring 2016. For Zachary Fernandez, designing is an art form and a way to communicate his ideas. He considers how his intentions for a new collection will translate to his audience, and pays attention to his process and evolution, which helps him grow professionally. Though he just finished his junior year of high school, Fernandez is a rising fashion star thanks to his dedication and the support of mentors, family, and teachers.