Considering this was my first Academy fashion show that I have attended (I know right!), I was so overwhelmed and excited. I spent about a million hours getting ready. What does one wear to a fashion show? The ensemble must be extremely fashionable, of course…and comfortable, considering I was going to be sitting for an hour, craning my neck in anticipation for the next in a series of remarkable collections.
I invited my mother, the ultimate fashionista who taught me everything I know about style, and whom I was sure would appreciate such an astounding event. I rushed us up the hill toward the Morgan Auditorium on Post St., fearing we would be late and not wanting to miss even a millisecond of the action. When we arrived, crowds of people were still coming in and taking their seats.
Attending numerous symposiums in this same auditorium had taught me that nothing can be seen from the lower pews except the backs of scraggly heads, so I went straight for the balcony, knowing we would have the best vantage point of the runway from above. We slid into the most perfect seats in the house, front row hanging directly over the stage, on the right side. Thankfully the show hadn’t started yet, so I had time to get out my camera and sweat it out eagerly until the show commenced.
After many grueling minutes of waiting longingly, the President of the Academy, Lisa Stevens, was introduced to say a few words. Then finally…the lights went low and the music started.
Many beautiful and intriguing collections were then paraded down the stage, including collaborations between fashion designers, textile designers, and jewelry designers from the Fine Arts department. I happily snapped away in amazement, like a tourist on a wild safari, almost too stunned to believe my eyes.
I love garments that have an edgy, urban style so I was thrilled to see the collection of Aurelie Martin-Chiari, who worked with textile designer Van Kim Le, to create a a series of outfits inspired by the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are.” The whole concept really brought out the inner street warrior in all of us, especially when accessorized with trendy, neon colored sneakers. Featuring intricate patterns of neon swirling lines printed on hoodies, footsies (one-piece jumpsuits complete with feet), and pants with protruding spikes, the collection was reminiscent of mom’s homemade monster costumes from the Halloweens of childhoods past.
Every collection had an impact and thoughtfulness of its own, and goes to show the superb talent and dedication behind each designer that the Academy continually produces, sending forth such raw vitality to make their mark on the wide world of fashion. It’s times like this that make me proud to be a part of the family at the Academy of Art University.
After the show, as everyone piled out and the room slowly became empty, I simply sat in awe and soaked in the energy. If it weren’t for my bladder, I may have never moved from that seat!
Catch the whole show here!
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