RISD Launches Backstudio, Inaugural Showcase of Apparel Design Seniors’ Collections in New York City

New York, NY – Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) will showcase the thesis collections of its Apparel Design seniors at RISD Backstudio on Monday, May 18 at Highline Stages in New York City. The event will offer guests a window into the innovative approach and process RISD students bring to their creative practices.

RISD Backstudio will be designed by alumnus David Stark (RISD ’91) of David Stark Design and Production, and feature the work of the 18 members of the RISD Apparel Design class of 2015 in vignettes. Attendees will get a first-hand look at the portfolio pieces that will earn many graduates positions at top fashion houses around the world. Seniors include:

Chaz Aracil
Noah Berch
Cecile Chekovsky
Clara Nizida Drumez
Andrea Dyes
Erato Hadjiyianni
Ju Young (Julia) Han
Elizabeth Hilfiger
Ji Woen Hong
Patamon Khoman
Michaela Knittel
Ka Brianna Lee
Colin Locascio
Megan Mary Mitchell
Gina Park
Stephen Smith
Yuan Peng (Paul) Wu
MacKenzie Ami Yamamoto-Lane

“RISD Backstudio is an exciting new way for RISD to engage with the New York design community while celebrating the work of these emerging talents,” said RISD President Rosanne Somerson. “Our graduating seniors will be showcasing their collections in a center for fashion and innovation, and industry leaders will have an opportunity to learn more about RISD and our unique approach to art and design education."

RISD Backstudio takes place a week after seniors debut their work at COLLECTION 2015, RISD’s annual runway show. Held in Providence on May 9, COLLECTION 2015 showcases the work of sophomores, juniors and seniors in RISD’s Apparel Design program.

The designs that will be shown at RISD Backstudio and COLLECTION 2015 have been juried by a panel of guest critics – professional designers and industry leaders who carefully review the work over time, giving students critical feedback and selecting the best garments for the Providence runway show. The rigorous selection process for the pieces shown in COLLECTION 2015 is an important part of students’ preparation to enter the competitive fashion industry. This year the jury includes Neil Gilks,senior projects manager, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA);Derek Lam,designer and owner of Derek Lam; Simon Spurrdesigner and owner of Simon Spurr; and Anne Slowey,Fashion News Director at ELLE.

About RISD's Apparel Design Department

RISD’s Apparel Design department prepares students to meet the highest requirements of the fashion industry. Built on the philosophy that design and technical skills are mutually enhancing, the program is structured to take students through all aspects of apparel design and construction, from functional to experimental clothing. Technical classes proceed from basic to advanced drafting, draping and construction, and incorporate the use of computers as a tool for designing and product visualization. RISD has offered programs in Costume, Clothing and Fashion since 1918, and established the department of Apparel Design in 1952.