Buckle : #MakeItYours Designer Challenge Winner Announced

You voted to determine the winner of Buckle's Tune up the Denim Challenge and the results are in! But first, let's take a look back at all of the great designs that were created.

Last week on Threads, five up-and-coming designers created a new look out of Gilded Intent jeans and a flannel inspired by a music genre and here's what they came up with.

Esmeralda Lole with her rock-inspired look!

We caught up with Esmeralda to get to know more about her, her clothing line, and the challenge!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Esmeralda Lole, I am 27 and I am from Kansas City, MO. I am married with three children. I have wanted to be a designer since the age of 10. I started sewing shortly after that, helping my mother make pillows and blankets as a second source of income.

Where did your passion for fashion come from?

Growing up, we didn't have a lot of extra money to spend on clothes, so I started recreating old clothing and from there it helped me discover that I really wanted to pursue fashion as a career. I went to college for marketing and have taught myself over the years how to create garments. I am excited each year as I continue to grow as a designer.

Tell us about your clothing line, Kyrie Eleison Couture.

Kyrie Eleison Couture is a luxury brand that specializes in Cultural Couture. I believe that it is important to stay true to your culture and lifestyle, so I try to showcase that in my designs.

Tell us about the look you created for Buckle's Tune up the Denim Challenge.

I selected, at random, rock as my music genre. My look features patchwork denim and faux leather, a plaid crop top with a hint of royal blue, and a distressed faux leather jacket. I looked up AC/DC, KISS, and rock concerts for inspiration.

What was your favorite part of this challenge?

My favorite part was being challenged to create something I would not normally create! I loved it and can't wait for the next challenge.

What was the most difficult part of this challenge?

The hardest part for me was creating a look for the rock music genre. Rock is not my go-to genre so I had no idea what I was going to create. Thank God for Pinterest!

How do you feel about winning the first week's competition?

I am humbled that they chose me! I am so grateful and excited for the next challenge!

What's next for you?

I am working on the next challenge and after the competition I plan on putting on my own fashion show! If I won the grand prize, it would help me fund my fashion show and get my designs out there.

The winner of the challenge receives a Buckle Gift Card. Do you have your eye on anything at Buckle?

Yes! I recently saw some sandals that I am dying to purchase!

Congrats Esmeralda, we love your design and wish you the best of luck in your future as a designer!

The grand prize winner will be announced Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Designer European Runway Show at Oak Park Mall.