As techno and electronica music blared, models dressed in everything from plastic bags to jersey fabric paced down the runway stretching across Cardinal Hall on Friday night. The room was packed with audiences of all ages viewing the show. The models showcased the work of 28 student designers at the Fashion Design Society's Designer Showcase.
The designs displayed an abundance of color blocking, florals and wool. Wool coats came in a variety of styles, some with color, and some with fur trim and leather. A parade of evening wear in varying lengths with influences from the ‘20s to the ‘80s closed the show.
All proceeds from tickets and the silent auction following the show went go to the Animal Rescue Fund.
Valerie Birk, who teaches fashion courses, described the show as the best one she has ever seen from the Fashion Design Society since it started in 1998.
"I was really proud of their efforts," Birk said. "I thought it was very eclectic and textural. All the textures were being used in such a creative way."
Birk taught some of the student designers and she said seeing their work on the runway was a proud moment for her.
"I've seen a lot of the kids grow," she said. "It was amazing to see their improvement."
With 28 different designers come 28 different points of view and sources of inspiration.
Devann Maxie, a senior apparel design major, used jersey, print and color in her clothing. She also used many of her old clothes to create her looks.
"I made something new out of something old," Maxie said.
Natalie Thomas, a junior apparel design major, was inspired by the stars in the sky.
"My friends and I all go to the planetarium," Thomas said. "I was inspired by all [of] the images they showed there."
Thomas sketches frequently on her free time. Her recent inspirations are clean lines and silhouettes.
Taylor Groft, a junior apparel design major, was one of the few menswear designers in the show. He pushed his creative boundaries with items such as a wool peacoat with a transparent midsection.
"I'm inspired by minimalism and androgyny," Groft said. "I like taking those ideas and translating them into real life."
Groft used many of the techniques he learned in class into his work. Before creating his designs, he said he experiments with the fabric. Groft also said he wears the clothes he creates.
"I feel like myself when I go out in my clothes," he said. "They're genuinely my clothes. They're just an extension of myself."
Courtney Pienta, a senior apparel design major, is the president of the Fashion Design Society. The show incorporated the help of volunteers from the fashion program, the technology department and hair and make-up.
"The show definitely went well," Pienta said. "There was a little hiccup during it, but it was what we pictured."
The little hiccup she referred to was a small but mostly unnoticeable glitch in timing as the models walked out.
For the first time, the Fashion Design Society teamed up with the metals majors from the art department on campus to put some of the jewelry they create on the runway. Dru Patrick, a senior metals major, created jewelry such as earrings and necklaces for the show.
Designers created most of the jewelry pieces earlier, but some of them were commissioned specifically to go with the clothing of student designers.
Patrick watched the show from the front row. She said she simply adored the show and the clothes.
"The show was fabulous," she said. "I said fabulous about five trillion times during the show."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
