Many fashion design seniors view their final project as an opportunity to create their dream collection. But in this economy, the world isn’t looking for the next couture designer.

By combining delicate patterns with classic silhouettes, a group of recent Syracuse University graduates kept the collections they designed for the annual ‘Vision with Action’ fashion show chic, modern and, most importantly, wearable. The New York City fashion show, hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, featured 12 of the 22 graduating seniors and their six-piece collections.

‘The students this year have really taken a lot of direction and they’re doing much more of ready-to-wear-inspired pieces, which is great in this economy,’ said Jeffrey Mayer, the program coordinator for the fashion design program. ‘Creating just fantasy clothing — it’s fun, it’s exciting. But it’s not really where the market’s at right now.’  

Surrounded by a luxurious view of the city from the 60th floor of the Chase Manhattan Plaza, family, friends, faculty and alumni gathered in support of the aspiring designers. The lit runway, VIP gift bags and flat-screen TVs highlighting important moments in the designers’ final year at SU made the event feel like a professional fashion show.

After a welcome message from Ann Clarke, dean of VPA, and a televised ‘good luck’ from Tim Gunn, fashion icon from the TV-series ‘Project Runway,’ the show began.

Many of the collections showcased a classic look, as opposed to the edginess and unconventional ensembles that have been present on the runways the past couple of seasons.  

For many of the designers, it came as a breath of fresh air.

‘I think my line is just fun. It’s energetic. It’s colorful. It’s exciting,’ Avery Carter said.

Carter used floral patterns, lace trims and pastel colors, giving her collection a feminine, vintage feel. Yet she managed to add a bit of understated edge using statement shoulders and a rugged army-green cargo jacket.   

In an era often dominated by the alien-esque styles of Lady Gaga, a chance to see outfits that were brought down to Earth came as a welcomed change.

Sara Armet presented a flowing red dress with a gold leaf collar worthy of an Oscar-nominated starlet. She worried if the dress would look the same when it was taken out of her hands and onto a brand new model.

‘They’re going to style it differently so it’s kind of like a test,’ Armett said. ‘I had my vision. For example, I used all African American models. Well are we going to have all African American models tonight? No we’re not. So is it going to work? We’ll see. It’s a test.’

Jacklyn Potter’s line, which offered clean lines, cream colors and a striking red trench coat, resembled the polished fashion of the Upper East Side.

The star of Emily Samit’s collection, inspired by Théâtre de la Mode dolls and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Inglourious Basterds’ heroine, was a quilted, bead-trimmed, royal blue coat fit for a queen.

The pre-show reception gave the graduates the opportunity to mingle with members of the fashion world.

 ‘The main hope tonight is that our students will get some networking experience and get some network contacts and actually start to move around in the world of fashion,’ said Todd Conover, an instructor in the fashion and design technology program.

Stephanie Solomon, a 1972 SU alumni and operating vice president for women’s ready-to-wear at Bloomingdale’s, was presented with the 2010 Icon of Style Award at the end of the show.  

‘I think this is probably one of the, I would say red-letter days of my life,’ Solomon said.

‘That would include my marriage, the birth of my son and when I was honored by Syracuse University. I’m really proud to be here.’

The award, given to those who have excelled within the fashion industry, has honored the work of other fashion icons, such as Emme and Henry Grethel.

The New York fashion show was the last SU event for the fashion design graduates, and many expressed both relief and shock that their hard work was finally done.

‘It’s extremely surreal, especially even just the setting we’re in,’ said Emily Samit. ‘It’s kind of like I feel I’m an actual designer now. It’s the beginning of getting everything started.’

letousig@syr.edu
 

Published on June 11, 2010 at 12:00 pm