Firstly, Jillians blogs are a MUST follow for anyone into fashion.

http://itsmanufactured1987.blogspot.com/

and http://manufactured1987.tumblr.com/

Born and raised on the Upper West Side in New York City Jillian Mercado never imagined how her life would be right now.” I have two younger sisters and a dog called Lily, shes a teacup yorkie. I currentally attend Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Fashion Merchandising Marketing. Living in New York and attending one of the Top Fashion schools i listened to one of my professors advice, she said to take full advantage of any to all the opportunists that comes to me. So i did. I’ve already interned in many places, from assisting a Fashion Designer to helping out at Fashion week. Currently i was blessed to have the opportunity to intern at Allure Magazine as a Beauty Intern. In the future i see myself having my own Magazine Company, something i dream about…”

4 things people should know about you:

One: I attended a Dance Program for 5 to 6 years called National Dance Institute.
Two: i have over 150 movie tickets i have collected so far.
Three: My parents are from Dominican Republic, so i know how to speak two languages and learning French in school.
Four: I never attended the New Years Eve Party on 42nd street, and most likely wont, haha to much people!
Five: If i set my mind on something there is nothing i wont do to achieve it.

What inspires YOU?

This is kind of hard to answer because i can go on and on talking about things/people that inspire me. When attending school or work things that most inspire me can be as simple as watching my friends design thier collections and wearing them, to random people walking down the street. In life i will have to say my most inspiration is, myself. Without sounding egotist my life has given me so many challenges, this has given me the chance to grow everyday. Being in a city like New York everything and everyone can inspire me because we all agree in one thing which is success. 

Why fashion?

Fashion has been with me even before i was born. My mother actually was about to have me at a garment factory were she used to work for a baby clothing line. So i have always wanted to do anything in the Fashion field. But it wasn’t till senior year in High School were i decided to really take it to the next level. I have always loved the Arts and how you can express yourself in imagies or using a cloth. Fashion is just one big world that i have always wanted to consume myself in.  

Whats your fave smell?

Haha this is pretty funny because i can tell you without thinking. You know when you go to a Laundry Mat and are about to remove your dry cleaned clothes. That smell is my most favorite! I love the smell of clothes right out of a dryer. 

Fave spot in NYC?

Oh god this can take a while. I think my favorite spot in NYC to just rest and think is anywhere along the Hudson river. You can see the sun set and just get away from the loud noises of cars and people. To eat my favorite place is called Carmines. Its a amazing Italian Restaurant where they have the most delicious pasta. For nightlife, there is too much to write we have pretty great clubs and lounges. 

What can you cook?

Yes and no. I still have to learn how to cook like my mother and father but as a college student, i can make an amazing grill cheese sandwich! haha

Tell us a story about who the most inspiring fashion moment that has
happened to you so far.
I think my greatest fashion moment i have had so far has been getting accepted at FIT because of all the opportunities that came from it. After that i think getting to know and being friends with people that are actually in the industry. I got to meet Nigel Barker from Americans Top Model to being in the elevator on my way to Allure Magazine with the creative director of Vogue, Grace Coddington! I love her so much because of her amazing works of art creating Vogues fashion stories. 

Tell us something you have learned about yourself this year:
No matter how crazy and unreachable something can be, if you want it, no-one can stop you. Go for your dreams because all you need is the believe in it and believe me, it’ll come true. 

What is your vision for the world?
Wow this question is one to think about, but to be honest the only thing i ever wanted for this world is for people to have an open mind. When my 4th grade teacher used to tell us to “Think outside the box” we used to see things in a whole new light. As of now i think this world needs more people looking things outside the box.

Name some things on your want list right now:
Other than new clothes haha i really want to move in my own apartment. Something i think will help me grow as an adult. I would also love to get my first job at a magazine company, but that’s something I’m working on right now ;) 

Right now, what is changing for you?
Something that is changing right now is me leaving college and stepping into adulthood. Having to look for a job and deciding what i really want in life as a person and career wise.