Only my second fashion show to date, the 2011 BFA Parsons Fashion Show was certainly an exciting one! This is a show that has previously help launch the careers of designers such as Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler at one of the most renowned fashion schools in the world. Other designer alums include Anna Sui, Narciso Rodriguez, Peter Som, and host/speaker of the event, Reed Krakoff. As the show began, I felt like I was bombarded with fashion, my head turning every which way. The plethora of gorgeous clothes being catwalked toward me was somewhat overwhelming in the best way possible. The stage was set up with video screens in numerous directions and there were about 3-4 models walking at one time, hence the head turns.
Once I got a viewing rhythm going, I realized just how great all the clothes passing me by were. The show, broadcast around the world, featured 34 collections of children’s, men’s, and women’s wear all together. There was everything from edgy kids stuff (those kids had some swagger!) and Ann Demeulemeester-inspired feather pieces for men to structured women’s wear and and crazy innovative knits. There was also a massive amount of lovely details in the clothes, lots involving feathers, pleats, fringe, and even a turban or two. All I kept thinking is that it’s very possible I just witnessed the next big thing in fashion!
Each outfit was great in its own way, but after a while, I started to notice that all my favorite looks also seemed to be the most colorful of the brunch. Designer wise, here are a few of my personal favorites:
1. Katherine Kim, 22, Womenswear, inspired by the 1950‘s American Dream and individuals with a unique sense of style
LOVED this collection. It had such unique patterns!
2. Jovana Mirabelle, 22, Womenswear, inspired by the technology and interaction with the human body
Same goes for this one. I just loved the graphic prints, gorgeous!
3. Snehal Bathwal, 22, Womenswear, inspired by the 1960’s
I love this graphic, but more importantly, I loved the clothes!
4. Paige Kettering, 23, Womenswear, inspired by the 1920’s and Sofia Coppola
She too had some very interesting patterns going on.
5. T. Young Hwang, 30, Menswear, inspired by Tom Ford
Yeah, I’m rooting for one of the few designers still trying to get men in skirts!
6. Serena Chang, 21, Childrenswear, inspired by YSL, Karl Lagerfeld, & Marc Jacobs
dayum boi, you fly!
7. David Ferron, 22, Womenswear, inspired by Kate Moss, Mia Farrow, Twiggy, James Dean, and Audrey Hepburn
I gotta admit, I love anything involving pleats.
The officially winners of Parson’s 2011 Designer of the Year, announced last night at the Parsons Fashion Benefit, were David Ferron for women’s wear, Serena Chang for children’s wear, and T. Young Hwang for men’s wear. Reed Krakoff was also honored for men’s wear as designer of the year. A big congratulations to the winners!
The festivities will continue as part of the first annual Parsons Festival, running May 7 through 23. This will include exhibitions, thought-provoking public programs, interactive installations, and many other events. For more information, visit www.newschool.edu/parsonsfestival.
The collections themselves will be on view in the windows of the flagship Saks Fifth Avenue from May 17-31.
