Taking a detour after four decades of presenting their annual student designer fashion show on campus, Mount Mary’s Fashion Department made a triumphant debut at the Bradley Pavilion in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, May 13. Before the 6 p.m. show began, I was able to corner Sandy Keiser, Fashion Department Chairperson and associate professor, to ask her a few questions about the production.
How has the move to the Marcus Center affected the show?
It was a big change, but it’s really very exciting. The venue causes us to approach the presentation in a different way; it’s not a full theatrical runway show like it has been in the past. “En Route” has got the vibe of a New York or Paris runway show. It has really been fun for us. We also hope with the move that we’re going to draw a much different audience. People who are employed downtown can come after work and it is a more accessible location to the public at large. This year the show is sold out already. We are just excited to be in the heart of the city and that allows us to give a touch of modernity to the fashion show.
I loved that you named the show “En Route,” can you tell us more about that?
The metaphor of the title of the show is that it is about designers en route to their careers – they’re just beginning. But because we also have a very global society, we wanted to capture all the diversity of the people in an urban environment like Milwaukee. We loved the road terminology because we’re in a different venue. We used all the travel and road vocabulary as well in describing the segments for the show.
What is the career path for the graduates?
A lot of our students want to go work for corporations, like Kohl’s and Bon-Ton/Boston Store and we’re very lucky to have those big companies here in the area. But this generation is also very entrepreneurial; they’re attracted to setting up their own design studios. They’re interested in working more on a one-on-one basis with their employers and clients. I think that’s something that sets them apart from past generations.
With that, Ms. Keiser whisked backstage to help rally the troops for what would be their second showing of the day. I made my way to my seat in the Pavilion and watched as the audience filled the space. The runway was made to look like a black asphalt road, complete with yellow lines down the center. I was very impressed with the audio/visual that accompanied the show as well. Photomontages were projected on a large screen that illustrated the various themes of the show. In addition, a clever video camera set up cut back and forth between a straight-on shot of the models stomping the runway and a side-view shot that allowed all in attendance to have a terrific view of the designers work. Contemporary and strategic music was provided by Jai Bird Productions, which added greatly to the tight pacing of the show, directed by the fabulous Florida Perry Smith. Jordan Dechambre, M Magazine Fashion Editor and Ms. Keiser shared the hosting duties that evening and did an amazing job keeping the patter to a minimum and the focus on the clothing and the designers.
A lot of the ideas that were shown had great promise, but a few stood out from this talented crowd of future fashion designers, so I must give them a special shout out.
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| Stephanie Antonetti's designs. |
Stephanie Antonetti presented a small collection of neutral separates that won the “Most Marketable” Award from Kohl’s Department Stores. It was well fitted and refined in the styling as well.
Libby Quail took re-purposing to new levels with her collection of wearable and whimsical pieces that featured a clear plastic skirt, to name just one.
Megan Zeman re-interpreted the Victorian Era with her cool color-blocked suits and dresses. A.J. Ugent named Ms. Zeman the winner of the Outstanding Tailoring Award.
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| Sydney Deutsch's designs. |
Sydney Deutsch gave us a very wearable and flirty collection of luxe draped cocktail dresses.
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| Arielle Pratt's leather detail. |
Arielle Pratt did some unbelievable leather dresses that had so much detail and craftsmanship that I was blown away by their quality. The seaming and the floral appliqué added interest and sophistication to a toughened up material. Harley-Davidson Motor Clothes awarded her the 2011 Outstanding Design Talent Award. In addition, she also took home the S. Aloyse Hessburg Outstanding Construction Award, from the Mary Perry Foundation.
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| Linsey Belfield's wedding designs. |
Lindsey Belfield designed a destination wedding gown and headpiece that any woman would dream of wearing on her big day. I adored the hat.
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| Jaci Rehberg's wedding gowns. |
Jaci Rehberg’s intricately woven accents on her silk evening gown collection were impeccable on every level.
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| Danielle Dudley's designs. |
Danielle Dudley is a rock chick and not afraid to show it. The pieces had a punk rock meets pin-up vibe and the models really rocked the looks. She was given the Attention To Detail Award by A Little Something Bridal’s Jessie Little.
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| Yia Xong's designs. |
Yia Xong brought up the finale of the show with her piece de resistance. A stunning black evening dress featuring a sheer overlay bodice, slit skirt and beaded detailing. This gown won the 2011 Best Of Show by Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
The excitement was palpable from beginning to end and the hour-long show seemed to fly by. Kudos to the production staff as well as to all the talented student designers involved. I look forward to watching where the road takes them in the future. It was they who made this event a positive reflection on the Mt. Mary Fashion Program and the creative thinkers in our city as well.
En Route Fashion show from Rafal Krolik on Vimeo.
I want to end with a quote from the show program that reads: “From the mind of a designer to a sketch on a pad. Fabric is draped, cut and sewn, bringing an idea to life. Fashion is always moving and evolving, never arriving. Infinite possibilities and limitless destinations.” Wise words indeed and I for one don’t ever want to reach the end of that fashion road.