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Annual Runway Show Introduces Emerging Designers
10/27/2010
Every spring
Apparel Design students have an opportunity to showcase their one-of-a-kind
garments to the public. The most recent runway show – COLLECTION 2010 – took place
at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, a restored 1920s theater. Audiences love the surprising show, which gives them a sneak peak at many of the portfolio pieces that earn
graduates positions at top fashion houses around the world.
The work in the
juried runway show represents the best solutions to assignments given to
sophomores, juniors and seniors in the department. Seniors show unified bodies
of work that showcase professional-level conceptual and technical skills;
juniors focus on knitwear projects and coat collections; sophomores present
garments made from Cranston Printworks fabrics and “innovatives” created from
nontraditional materials.
“COLLECTION is a
wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse into the design process and interact
with the work of our student designers,” says Associate Professor Donna
Gustavsen. “For seniors, their thesis collections are a personal statement
representing the journey and learning they have tirelessly worked towards over
the past four years.”
The rigorous
selection process for the more than 150 pieces shown in COLLECTION 2010 is an
important part of students’ preparation to enter the competitive fashion
industry. Months of conceptual development, experimentation, meticulous
assembly and refinement, and precise fittings culminate in a series of
critiques by a panel of established designers, which selects the work that makes
it to the runway. Jurors for the 2010 show included RISD alumni Laura Poretzky 00 AP of
Abaete, Michael Leva 83 AP of J. Jill and Deb Newhall 74 IL, an independent
costume designer; menswear designer Patrick Ervell; and RISD Professor Emerita
and former Department Head Lorraine Howes.
Each year after
the show, selected designs go on sale to the public, giving community members
an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind creations by these rising talents.
Related links:
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Abaete Online Store
j.jill
tags: Apparel Design,
alumni,
innovation,
public engagement,
students