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The Art Institutes® A/W'16 Backstage+RTW

 13 Art Institutes® Designers Took the Runway for New York Fashion Week


Skylight at Moynihan Station, The Arc West 33rd St, NYC
2/17/2016

The Art Institutes @art_institutes -a consortium of 50 schools throughout North America- presented thirteen of their top designers – both current students and recent graduates – during New York Fashion Week. 

Twelve collections (11 individuals and one design duo) highlighting each designer’s unique diversity were delivered through discipline, dedication and sealed with the determination to succeed.

We had a ticket to see the Broadway musical Hamilton-so time backstage was brief...unfortunately-but chatting with three of the designers-reminded us of why these 'school' shows are always a highlight during NYFW-as the emphasis seems to focus on each designer's amazing individual vision of apparel -and unique hands-on skills of craft/workmanship-vs. a strictly commercial show...that underpins other efforts this week.

Themes ....gender fluidity...apparel for men/women, Red Carpet stunners, sustainability of materials (eco bonus points!!!!), architectural influences.



envisions women and men wearing his tailored separates

German Madrigal (Apparel Design BFA student, The Art Institute of Portland) - His “Equilibrium” collection was sleekly influenced through experimentation with the minimalistic side. Boldly defined lines with fine tailoring created a minimalistic androgyny. @german.madrigal
  

Zenia Da Sousa (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2015, Miami International University of Art & Design)- Her men’s and women’s collection “The Real Life” was heavy on details yet decidedly clean in aesthetic. It showed fashion and architecture walking side by side combining urban edge as seen in industrial design. @zeniads


Kimberly Richardson (Graduate, AAS Fashion Design program, 2015, The Art Institute of New York City) - Corrosion melded into candescence ignited this collection, “Spontaneous Combustion.” Using suede, denim, linens, and leathers, this collection was a contemporary take on the Japanese Shibori dyeing technique. @rebmik
  

Sebastian Cubides (Fashion Design BFA student, Miami International University of Art & Design) - A mid summer night’s dream with industrial nymphs came together to create this men’s and women’s modern collection titled, “Nemophilist.” It featured elongated silhouettes with inventive detailing that embodied a European sportswear vibe. @sebastiancubides
  

Stephanie Castanon (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2015, Miami International University of Art & Design)- “Beneath The Surface” featured iridescents that were set off against black shapes in this strongly feminine collection with gothic undertones.@stephaniecastanon 


Christopher Leveille & Djoone’s Altenor (Fashion Design AAS students, The Art Institute of New York City)- Their collection “Urban Nomad” was comprised of men’s layered street wear that appeared pumped up to near couture proportions in leathers, denim, fleece, and jersey.@sanstitre.ny @djoonesdemarlee
  

Nhi Nguyen (Graduate BFA Fashion Design program, 2015, The Art Institute of Houston)- Mixing metallic fabrics with geometric shapes, this collection made a futuristic “Statement” with a classic, defined retro style. It sustained feminine sophistication with a modern but youthful twist using layers of fabrications and handwork that look at once dressy yet approachable.@nhi_nguyen_5082 

Tatiana Cochagne (Fashion Design BS student, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale)- Forever “Eterna,” this Elizabethan infused collection, used elaborate fabrics that danced decadently in a fashion conscious era. It held court using geometric lines with a baroque flair and non-conventional fabrications.@carmen_da_tatiana 

Bahareh Memarian (Graduate Fashion Design diploma program, 2015, The Art Institute of Vancouver)- Reminiscent of a sultry and luxe past where the silver screen stars smoldered in meticulous fashion, her “Externa” collection evoked 100% cruelty free glamour in ornate detail.@baharehmemarian 
Marlene Dietrich is an inspiration...while a present day Daphne Guinness = a modern day muse.

Lavan Chxeidze (Graduate AAS Fashion Design program, 2015, The Art Institute of
page2image22608
New York City)- Uber feminine menswear or masculine womenswear? A question everyone asks after viewing this collection. This avant-garde collection inspired by the 1932 film Shanghai Express captured the diverse flow of fabrics, challenging the boundaries of menswear.@LC_Lavanie 


Alejandra Insuna (Fashion Design BA student, The Art Institute of Phoenix)- Her collection “Silent Epic; A Winter Shade Of Pale” expressed a futuristic journey integrating stark white sculptural dresses, classic cuts, and retro looks. @alejandrainsunsa  

from a border town in Arizona...this MARINE CORPS veteran (yup!) experienced eye openers on her tour of duty -leading to an awareness of the world beyond her hometown. 

David Marquise Seward (Graduate AS Fashion Design program, 2015, The Art Institute of Philadelphia)- His collection “Inuit Culture” was inspired by his passion for the beauty of the bizarre found in architecture. The garments that closed out the show seemed in tune with his vision of tidy symmetry mingled with vibrant prints and textures.@davidsewardbrand 

Bonus:
Featured live sketcher Lily Qian  @Lily_Qian - displayed her creative artistry during the show, sketching one look from each student’s collection as the models went down the runway. The result is a grand finale with a one of a kind mural representing each participating designer’s work to mark this incredible evening. 

THE TEAM:
@tbg-world 

Music by: Jay xero: @Jay.xero 

HAIR-MAKEUP-NAILS


Hair by: Jorge Luis @jorgeluis123  for Privé by Laurent D @privehair,
Nails by: LVX @shoplvx
Women’s Make-up by: MAKEUP BY DISCO @makeupbydisco, Sarah Digisco

Men’s Make-up by: MAKEUP YOUR MIND BEAUTY @makeupyourmind_beauty , Jackie Caruso 


Each model's individual look-was celebrated...a cast that reflects our world.



see how a bright green eyeliner-makes this whole look...

a team gets the job done...

love this red....