PRESENTED BY
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
225 West 24th Street, NYC
May 21st, 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
A packed auditorium abuzz wih parents, teachers, friends, students, industry and press types were treated to a professionally pizazzed RTW catwalk romp by the ebullient seniors of the HIGH SCHOOL OF FASHION INDUSTRIES,
The evening's festivities, a fundraiser and ceremony in a matter of speaking---- was pulled together by Robert di Mauro-the Chair of the Advisory Board (who’s dad went to the school 70 years ago) and co-Chair Patti Y. Carpenter.
SPECIAL THANKS: Liz Clairborne Inc. who generously underwrote the evening’s scholarship event.
THE SHOW: There is no place like home when it’s not Kansas- as an adorable assortment of muchkin sized children started off the runway eye candy with Wizard of Oz inspired outfits.
Then the seniors, with perfect maquillage (courtesy of Lancome), strutted their stuff and clothing that they designed, sewed and modeled. THEMSELVES!!!
TAKE-AWAYS:
Nary a seam was out of place, nor thread dangling, the fabrics looked expensive, but probably weren’t (budgets being what they are)…and some of the detailed constructions (corsets, draping, ruching) were expertly rendered! We know, we sat right up front!
Attire categorized as sportswear, denim, swimwear, lingerie, evening (short, long) and Bridal were all well done---and we think indicative of what these kids would wear---as well as adults.
We loved the fact that the so overused Boyfriend look and that shredded, ripped denim that hogs up the print magazines this month…were absent. Really glad.
High waist fitted silhouettes worked for the gals.
Even the guys had dark rinse denim- with the proper dose of slouchy swagger without looking sloppy.
Trend alert: Metallic sheen swimsuits! Paisleys/Boho/Animal prints, Wide ties, vests and shorter jackets for guys---for evening== NOT schoolboy shrunken though.
And yes, clothes are flattering on all body types. TG.
a happy bride
ADDED PLUS: The tunes/soundtrack…kept the beat without blowing out our eardrums.
NICE TOUCH: Project Runway Winner Christian Siriano gave a funny and spot on intro to the “quite cute” - Tim Gunn.
Accepting his award, the always gracious Gunn started his remarks recounting his experience on the Today Show with five HSFI students. For him, it was an up close encounter that had him “…marveled at their character, who they are as people…and their intelligence.”
Fittingly, Gunn noted that this was “easily one of the best graduation ceremonies” (excluding his alma mater Parsons) that he has been to. We’re talking colleges here too.
Plus: he emphasized “what will be important. in your career…will be those qualities of character.”
And like the mom of a nine year old who gushed to Gunn---in an airport---that her kid loves Project Runway....and she does too because “ it shows that hard work pays off and teaches you cheaters never prosper…”
A certain amount of tenacity is imperative too …
‘MAKE IT WORK’
WE LOVED:
TEACHERS GOT THE BIGGEST APPLAUSE WHEN INTRODUCED AT THE END OF THE SHOW!!!!!!
CHATTING WITH ROSS BURTON (AGAIN LUCKY US!!!) THE MAKE UP ARTIST (OPRAH!) AND INSPIRATION FOR STUDENTS….seriously….he told us how he met with students 2x this past month…and the first time, one student raised their hand when queried “who wants to be a makeup artist?”
Well, now, many, many hands went up (just prior to the show)…when posed the same question by Burton…who with his colleague Kerry Diamond, VP-Lancome---was moved to tears by the show.
And yes, the makeup- using the breath of Lancome’s colorful collections on the market---had those kids looking great…
Ross Burton, Kerry Diamond,
Robert di Mauro
CONGRATS!!!!
SPECIAL THANKS: ORIGINS, ESTESS LAUNDER COMPANIES, PHEAR CREATIONS, BARON FRANCOIS, LANCOME, LUGO, SMARTWATER, RICHARD RENDA from TOTALLY COOL.