When you think of exceptional fashion design schools you might think of FIT or Parsons in New York– possibly Rhode Island School of Design. A school that you might not think of is Marist College; located in Poughkeepsie, New York. My sister and I attended their Annual Silver Needle Fashion Show held last Friday —We were blown away.
One of my former coworkers @ Fashion Project— Silvia Isotti, served as their communication director this year; so I knew the show was worth the drive. The event was held at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie last Friday, and drew an audience of over 2,000 people– including industry experts who served as the judges of the evening. The 21 senior design students competed for best garment, best collection, and best portfolio.
My sister and I found ourselves window shopping the runway. I had only been to a few student fashion shows in the past, having attended school in notoriously unfashionable Boston (still love you), so to say I was impressed by the production is an understatement. We were given our press passes and invited to sit front row, as a result most of my pictures from the event include the guy doing stage security.
One of the highlights of the show included Kira Melendez‘s collection that could have easily been for purchase on River Island or Nasty Gal. This girl probably had BadGalRiRi in mind for her ideal customer, and someday she probably will be.
Senior design student Jill Hub’s winning garment was featured in Vogue Italy; a surprisingly versatile cobalt blue vest. Jill has previously interned with Marc Jacobs, and she’s definitely someone you want to follow.
If Jill Hub is destined for chic magazine spreads; Kevin Crowley‘s collection belong at the Met. The student who won the award for best portfolio, had one of the more edgy collections of the evening. Although some of the designs initially hit you as striking, you have to remember those who are most beloved in high-fashion do whats unexpected– McQueen, Galliano, Alexander Wang (to name a few.) Crowley was clearly a crowd favorite at the event, proving that people are into pieces are nothing like they’ve seen before– and that there are a lot of people supporting this young designer.
The winner for best collection was Audrey Maysek; a designer with a focus in children’s clothing. As the petite models shyly strutted by, I saw my future children in these precious pieces, and my young self prying myself out of them. Crew Cuts has no reason not to hire this girl immediately out of college. Hannah Anderson would be blessed to have her. This girl could really make her own in the niche market of children’s fashion.
Thank you Marist Fashion for the invite! Bravo for the show.
