2012 runway shows promise for selected students
By Katie Schliep
Not to sound repetitive, but if any senior class was talented enough to top the 2011 fashion show, the current class of seniors would definitely be the group. Today’s first runway show proved this point exactly.
To start, this year’s featured designers were definitely not afraid to mix things up with color or print. There was a variety of standout patterns adorning pants, jackets and dresses. Many of these prints were even custom-made to match the designer’s collection. By seeking the talents of the fibers department and creating custom textiles, the senior designers not only displayed their versatility, but they also made their collections more cohesive and personalized.
As opposed to last year’s garments that featured an array of organic and natural colors, the 2012 senior collection show made a statement with many prints and neon hues, creating a very exciting color palette for audience members to experience.
Garments were creative and each reminiscent of their own unique inspiration. Though most audience members were unaware of the exact basis behind each collection, it was definitely not hard to tell that every designer had their own idea and successfully translated this into wearable garments. A standout collection by Patricia Garcia featured work reflecting the art of French impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. The collection featured gowns and jackets in a mixture of purple and yellow floral prints.
Eduardo Calvo’s collection was a showstopper. From the early stages of development, there were doubts about this designer’s ability to make a cohesive collection out of the bold colors, graphic prints and feather embellishments he chose for his garments. However, Calvo managed to pull all elements together and make one beautifully artistic collection. The standout look paired a long, floor skimming skirt in a metallic silver stripe with a cropped rust-orange jacket.
With a love for evening wear, the show’s finale did not disappoint. Featuring six “special looks” from six different designers, each gown displayed their own character and each embodied the same level of attention to detail and craftsmanship. The final garment was the most extreme silhouette to walk the SCAD runway in recent years. What would have been a simple, floor length dress became statement-worthy with a structured Lady Gaga-esque overcoat. The garment was adorned with a number of floral details.
Though the fashion show ended in only minutes, the talent was still being displayed across the street. Various senior designers were able to feature select garments in Jen Library for a museum style experience. The setup allowed viewers to get up close and witness the detailed craftsmanship that goes into every piece, making it the preferred presentation. Though the Jen Library “Static Museum” showcases the looks of seniors who did not make the fashion show, it should be every designers wish to have their work appreciated and investigated to the same extent of each Jen Library garment.
Overall, the 2012 SCAD Fashion Show showcased not only the talent of the chosen fashion department seniors, but the school as a whole. The level of professionalism expected by our university was tangible throughout the entire fashion show experience, and I look forward to seeing what next years crop of seniors are able to sow out of the year of hard work that they face.
