On Wednesday night I had the honor of hosting the No White Fashion Show at the Weisman Art Museum, which showcased several talented fashion-design students. Set up much like an episode of Project Runway, the students were tasked with choosing a fairy tale and exploring the darker side of it through a newly designed look—upcycled materials were encouraged, and students also had to use an accessory item from the newly revamped WAM Store. Assistant professor Lucy Dunne provided the Tim Gunn role throughout the six-week challenge, offering advice and feedback to students as they worked.
I have to say, I was impressed. Some of these students—including winner Giselle Wei—were freshmen, yet they were mastering complicated sewing and patterning techniques. They were articulate, answering questions in the hot seat from judges Sonya Berlovitz, Matthew LeFebvre, Danielle Everine, and Anne Labovitz with aplomb, and I loved watching them add finishing touches backstage before the models worked the catwalk. (Makeup and hair was provided by Juut Salonspa and MAC artists…and really added a polished, fun touch to the whole evening.) I honestly thought each design had its own merits, either in detail or in concept, and the judges’ prolonged deliberation was proof that there was a lot of talent battling for swanky prizes, including gift cards to Juut, Macy’s, SR Harris, and memberships to the Weisman.
Here’s the first-place design:
But, there were tons of other cool, inventive pieces. Take a peek at a few of the designs for yourself:
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Impressive, right? The show was sold out, and if they do another, I expect it will grow in popularity. Get tickets next time if you’d like to see some young fashion upstarts! Thanks again to the Weisman for asking me to host—it was a pleasure.