Gallatin sophomore Selly Djap has been designing before — and while she’s been at — NYU. Her fall/winter 2017 collection, Polarity, premiered at the Gallatin Fashion Show last spring. At this year’s New York Fashion Week, Djap’s newest collection Sex will be showcased on Sept. 9 amongst seven to nine up and coming designers.

Djap is known for her elegant, one-of-a-kind couture designs, and Sex will be no different. Sex includes 10 designs all with Djap’s signature hand beading and done in a variety of blush shades. Like most up and coming designers, Djap designs and sews each of her designs herself.

“Like my first collection, I made Sex all by hand and all by myself,” Djap said. “I spent the entirety of the summer designing and sewing. It’s a lot of work, but I love the process. This collection is a progression of the discovery of my own sexuality.”

Originally from Indonesia, Djap was taught that sex was taboo and not up for discussion. Coming to NYU, Djap found that people talk freely about sex and their sexuality, causing her to explore and ground her own opinions about sex. The collection begins with a more innocent vibe transforming into pure seduction with more skin showing in the latter designs.

“As women, we shouldn’t be scared to show off our own bodies as we should be proud of it,” Djap said. “That’s why I’m not scared to show skin in my dresses.”

Throughout her first year at NYU, Djap uncovered her own sexuality through talking to fellow NYU students. Djap found her sexuality was repressed throughout her childhood, and Sex showcases Djap finding her way out of that repression.

“Sex is something really beautiful,” Djap said. “It’s a gift that should be grounded in truth and grace.”

Djap’s team at the show will consist of her best friend and fellow Gallatin sophomore, Matt Hall, who photographs all of Djap’s designs. Hall assisted Djap in shooting the press photos for Sex back in late August.

“We shot the press photos at Coney Island, starting earlier in the evening until it was almost pitch black,” Djap said. “Coney Island emulates the fun and unknown of sex while the evening light shows the progression from innocence to seduction.”

To check out Djap’s designs along with others, the show is at 11 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Hotel Pennsylvania in Midtown.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 5 print edition. Email Pamela Jew at [email protected].