On May 20, senior fashion students presented their work in an atelier setting for Fashion Seen 2010, in the 4C gallery space at SCAD Atlanta. In this setting, suggested by Vogue’s former Editor-at-Large and current Contributing Editor Andre Leon Talley, guests were able to converse with each student designer about their respective design processes. From inspiration and fabric selection to the design and construction of their final garments, the students shared details about what enabled them to create a cohesive collection.
Paula Smith, a SCAD Atlanta student from Charleston, South Carolina, used trees as inspiration for her collection. The texture of bark and rings from the inside of trees were mimicked in the top stitching of her designs. As a participant of the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program, Smith worked with designer Bryan Bradley to complete her collection. She thought that Bradley was “really amazing” and stated that he even provided her with some fabrics; “he was like Santa Claus!” Smith said that “[having] input from someone in the field really helps” in the design process. She also believes that the mentorship program provides better opportunities for employment in the industry.
Ji Young Jung, a fourth-year fashion student from Seoul, South Korea, cited origami and a “nomadic way of life” as the inspirations for her collection. Her fashions incorporated “lots of folds and straight lines, but [are] also loose for movement.” Jung collaborated with mentor Catherine Malandrino to complete her collection.
Jeffrey Hart, a fourth-year fashion student from Charleston, West Virginia, found inspiration for his fashion collection in antique embroidery techniques, architecture, sculpture and frieze work. He also lauded the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program, stating, “[it is] a great opportunity to hone in ideas and work with someone else…who really knows what they’re talking about.” The garment that Hart is most proud of is his navy blue collared gown with a capelet bolero – “it’s over the top and sparkly!”
From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., SCAD Atlanta students were able to preview the event and support their fellow students. SCAD Atlanta students Janesa Johnson and Melissa Welch came “to see them all.” Johnson, a third-year fashion student, stated, “I want to do this next year. I want to get a feel for what it’s like.” Welch, a second-year fashion student, said of the event, “It’s a nice experience to see how the ‘real world’ industry works.” Ty Dare, a first-year fashion student and event volunteer, said of the show, “I think it’s amazing – so professional, so well done. Also, this was a judged competition, so they’re all here for a reason.” After the students’ preview, Fashion Seen opened to the public at 7:30 p.m.
SCAD faculty and staff also attended the event. SCAD President Paula S. Wallace stated, “[Fashion Seen] was Andre Leon Talley’s idea. I talked to him and said that Atlanta needed its own fashion event.” Talley envisaged an atelier scene to showcase the student designers’ work. Observing the caliber of the event and the commitment of the school to its students, Dean Art Malloy said, “this is what students have come to expect from SCAD.” He affirmed, “A relationship with Andre Leon Talley is one that other fashion departments around the country just don’t have.” SCAD continues to have exceptional relationships with artists and designers in the field, including those in the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program, which is completing its first academic year being offered at SCAD Atlanta. The designers involved in the mentorship program this year are Zac Posen, Catherine Malandrino, Bryan Bradley and Angel Sanchez. These acclaimed fashion designers offered direction and inspiration through one-on-one critiques and guidance from concept through production.
President Wallace also discussed the mentorship program. She observed that the program is “a way for students to have a direct connection with designers.” These connections also “build relationships when students are out interviewing [for jobs].” Dean of the School of Fashion, Michael Fink, remarked that the mentorship program is “there for students who want to work with a designer and get a real life experience.” He specifically mentioned Bryan Bradley and Angel Sanchez, describing their mentorships as “invaluable.”
Dean Malloy acknowledged the program as a great way for students “to get the feedback they need to fine tune their skills and designs – to make connections that are life-changing.” Associate Vice President for Academic Services at SCAD Atlanta, Teresa Griffis, PhD., affirmed that the importance of this event is reflected in its relation to SCAD’s mission statement; Fashion Seen and the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program pair students with careers. She observed, “Events like this show reality, as well as showcase [students’] talents and efforts.”
Editor’s note: This article has been altered from its original version in order to remove incorrect information that was provided to The Connector. We regret any confusion the error may have caused.