 Compass:
The Annual Student Fashion Show of the Art Institute of California, San Francisco
17 young fashion designers
rock a spirited and fresh runway
The Fashion Department at the
Art Institute values quality of construction and creativity equally, and the students
aptly displayed both in this year's tour de force fashion show.
Melanie McCann and Chia-Yin Wu presented sportswear and career wear in traditional
cuts, spiced up with alternative fabrics and color block stripes. Silk charmeuse
T-shirts with silk-screened imagery were especially fetching when paired with
knee high skirts. Tamara Madison's menswear snowboarding collection hints at an
excellent future in outerwear, with her street inspired stripes and plaids.
80's punk and new wave were the apparent inspirations for Erica Hoag's collection.
Her models roughed up the runway to the sounds of The Cure, clad in tube miniskirts
in hot pink and black. Megan Hinsdale's creations in beige and lavender flowed
and fluttered with grace that only comes from attention to construction details.
The swimwear collection from Cybelle Jacobs was ravishing and most importantly,
utterly wearable. Her maillots recalled 50's Hollywood styling, with modern and
subtly sweet end notes like frilled back and leg hemlines in contrasting colors.
Proving she has business savvy as well as abundant talent, Lynette Martinez hit
the print parade with her perfect ensemble of floral charmeuse cocktail dresses.
Miguel Gonzalez designed an ethereal collection of bandeaus and miniskirts in
fuschia shantung with wisps of fluttering chiffon, as well as a gorgeous strapless
wedding dress. Eveningwear abounded in Monica Navarro's designs in black and silk
charmeuse. Her low back halter dress with black and pale pink lace overlay was
one of the highlights of the show. Kristina Lin's feminine collection displayed
originality and grace, especially her asymmetric light blue strapless lace cocktail
dress. "I create classics with an updated edge", says Lin, " from casual everyday
wear to elegant bridal and evening gowns, for confident women who like to stand
out in a crowd…with a modern silhouette and a clean link, the garments are flattering,
sexy, and form fitting."
Part-time fashion instructor Christie Cheung conveyed an incredible sense of color
combination, style, and functionality in her line of wrap knit sweaters, suits,
and leggings, as well as a picturesque mother-of-the-bride lace suit in midnight
blue. Melrose Bickerstaff won two awards for "Most Creative" and "Best in Show",
and her large collection ranged from funky California day looks to candyland evening
gowns. With her unique exuberance and high energy, Bickerstaff is on the fast
track to the fashion world. Also winning an award was Bruce Beasley with his couture
courtesan evening concoctions. His focus is on exquisite tailoring and detail
and will soon be gracing the silver screen with his creations.
The Annual Student Fashion Show of The Art Institute of California, San Francisco
was held at the new Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco. See the
Art Institute website for fashion show awards. |
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