SCAD Fashion Show kicks off with presentation of Sirlin Awards
When Michael Fink, the Dean of the School of Fashion, stepped onto the stage at the Trustees Theater, he admitted to the audience that he was “so nervous.” He added that this was because “there’s so much excitement going on,” referring to the Senior Fashion Show, which was mere minutes away from opening.
Fink told the audience that the show was a culmination of four years worth of critiques, blood, and sweat, as well as the occasional tears and caffeine, “to create work for the new generation of fashion enthusiasts.” He went on to say that the fashion industry loved SCAD students and that 91 percent of the recent spring graduates were able to find jobs or pursue further education within several months of graduating.
The dean also thanked the sponsors, especially Hugo Boss, who served as the title sponsor. Included in his list of thanks were the professors and sewing technicians who helped shaped those “clumsy fingers” into deft and professional hands, as well as the parents for entrusting the faculty with their children’s education.
He then welcomed Carmela Spinelli, the chair of fashion and accessory design, to the stage to help congratulate the winners of the Sirlin Award. This prestigious award is given to two students who exemplify excellence in fashion design, workmanship, professionalism, and academic standing. The recipients of the award are voted on by the fashion faculty. Danielle Elsener, a fashion student from East Newport, N.Y., won for most outstanding men’s collection while Noah Jodoin, a fashion student from Tulatin, Ore., won for most outstanding women’s collection. When both students walked onto the stage, they were greeted with cheers from the crowd. Fink congratulated them, telling them how proud the department was of them.
After the awards were handed out, Fink turned to the audience, who burst into thunderous applause as he said, “So enough awards, enough talk. Let’s have a fashion show.”
