Click the photo for more from the Rebirth show!
The Fashion Business Association’s annual fashion show displayed a varied range of NYU talent. From minimalistic T-shirts to flowing evening gowns, the designers delivered a unique show this past Friday, May 3, at the Eisner and Lubin Auditorium in the Kimmel Center for University Life.
This year’s theme was Rebirth, which was a huge step away from last year’s theme Couture from Chaos.
“Last year’s theme was very dark and somber,” said FBA co-president and Gallatin junior Cruz Granados. “We really wanted to do something drastically different that was much more optimistic and light.”
The show started with Olive Wu’s collection, which showcased an array of edgy designs made out of basic T-shirts — a reference to the rebirth of a T-shirt. The collection displayed T-shirts in various cuts with gold and silver safety pins embellished on collars, sleeves and sides. A standout piece was the neon yellow tank top with an open slit through the back connected by colored safety pins.
Next, Joa Allen showcased his progressive brand, AntiVirus. Focusing on curing the diseased of conformity, Allen delivered men’s and women’s collections full of graphic prints and color blocking. What set Allen’s collection apart from the others was his choice of print, which was inspired by germ cells. The print was featured in blue and pink and color blocked with black and white in a series of shirts and jackets.
CAS sophomore Nicholas Jude Paganelli delivered a more cohesive and detail-oriented collection. His emphasis on color blocking and textile choices complemented each model’s figures perfectly while making them look chic and sophisticated. A recurring motif seen in Paganelli’s designs was the use of lines spread across the garments. These lines were placed symmetrically and accurately to flatter the model’s figure.
Showcasing only four looks, Gallatin junior Benjamin Kelmes produced a very feminine aesthetic in his collection. Most pieces were A-line dresses with floral details in the bodice. The coloring was soft in natural tones, with pops of burgundy and blue underneath the bodice and in the hems.
Alumna and returning designer Jessica Chen impressed the crowd with her more structured designs. Many of her pieces were in black, with little pops of color in the accessories. The eye-catching pieces of her collection were leather trench coats that created an edgy and feminine look tailored for an everyday career woman.
The night ended with Victoria Holbrook’s flirty collection of tulle skirts, corsets, rosy colors and structured pieces.
All proceeds from the show went to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, as the rebuilding and aftermath of the hurricane also inspired the show’s theme.
“Everyone on the [executive board] knows someone who was impacted by Hurricane Sandy,” said FBA co-president and Steinhardt junior Liz Smith. “We were really inspired by how these people are focusing on new beginnings and starting over instead of focusing on the negative.”
This year’s impressive group of designers not only showcased their wide and diverse taste and talent but also raised social awareness that affected the entire city — a successful finale for the academic year.
Layla Ilchi is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].
