From conception to fruition: Fashion Seen 2010

On May 20, senior fashion students presented their work in an atelier setting for Fashion Seen 2010, in the 4C gallery space at SCAD Atlanta. In this setting, suggested by Vogue’s former Editor-at-Large and current Contributing Editor Andre Leon Talley, guests were able to converse with each student designer about their respective design processes. From inspiration and fabric selection to the design and construction of their final garments, the students shared details about what enabled them to create a cohesive collection.

Paula Smith, a SCAD Atlanta student from Charleston, South Carolina, used trees as inspiration for her collection. The texture of bark and rings from the inside of trees were mimicked in the top stitching of her designs. As a participant of the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program, Smith worked with designer Bryan Bradley to complete her collection. She thought that Bradley was “really amazing” and stated that he even provided her with some fabrics; “he was like Santa Claus!” Smith said that “[having] input from someone in the field really helps” in the design process. She also believes that the mentorship program provides better opportunities for employment in the industry.

Ji Young Jung, a fourth-year fashion student from Seoul, South Korea, cited origami and a “nomadic way of life” as the inspirations for her collection. Her fashions incorporated “lots of folds and straight lines, but [are] also loose for movement.” Jung collaborated with mentor Catherine Malandrino to complete her collection.

Jeffrey Hart, a fourth-year fashion student from Charleston, West Virginia, found inspiration for his fashion collection in antique embroidery techniques, architecture, sculpture and frieze work. He also lauded the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program, stating, “[it is] a great opportunity to hone in ideas and work with someone else…who really knows what they’re talking about.” The garment that Hart is most proud of is his navy blue collared gown with a capelet bolero – “it’s over the top and sparkly!”

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., SCAD Atlanta students were able to preview the event and support their fellow students. SCAD Atlanta students Janesa Johnson and Melissa Welch came “to see them all.” Johnson, a third-year fashion student, stated, “I want to do this next year. I want to get a feel for what it’s like.” Welch, a second-year fashion student, said of the event, “It’s a nice experience to see how the ‘real world’ industry works.” Ty Dare, a first-year fashion student and event volunteer, said of the show, “I think it’s amazing – so professional, so well done. Also, this was a judged competition, so they’re all here for a reason.” After the students’ preview, Fashion Seen opened to the public at 7:30 p.m.

SCAD faculty and staff also attended the event. SCAD President Paula S. Wallace stated, “[Fashion Seen] was Andre Leon Talley’s idea. I talked to him and said that Atlanta needed its own fashion event.” Talley envisaged an atelier scene to showcase the student designers’ work. Observing the caliber of the event and the commitment of the school to its students, Dean Art Malloy said, “this is what students have come to expect from SCAD.” He affirmed, “A relationship with Andre Leon Talley is one that other fashion departments around the country just don’t have.” SCAD continues to have exceptional relationships with artists and designers in the field, including those in the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program, which is completing its first academic year being offered at SCAD Atlanta. The designers involved in the mentorship program this year are Zac Posen, Catherine Malandrino, Bryan Bradley and Angel Sanchez. These acclaimed fashion designers offered direction and inspiration through one-on-one critiques and guidance from concept through production.

President Wallace also discussed the mentorship program. She observed that the program is “a way for students to have a direct connection with designers.” These connections also “build relationships when students are out interviewing [for jobs].” Dean of the School of Fashion, Michael Fink, remarked that the mentorship program is “there for students who want to work with a designer and get a real life experience.” He specifically mentioned Bryan Bradley and Angel Sanchez, describing their mentorships as “invaluable.”

Dean Malloy acknowledged the program as a great way for students “to get the feedback they need to fine tune their skills and designs – to make connections that are life-changing.” Associate Vice President for Academic Services at SCAD Atlanta, Teresa Griffis, PhD., affirmed that the importance of this event is reflected in its relation to SCAD’s mission statement; Fashion Seen and the SCAD Style Lab mentorship program pair students with careers. She observed, “Events like this show reality, as well as showcase [students’] talents and efforts.”

Editor’s note: This article has been altered from its original version in order to remove incorrect information that was provided to The Connector. We regret any confusion the error may have caused.

College Security Report: April 28 – May 18, 2010

May 18

1:15 a.m. — Security was informed that a vehicle had been hit by a closing gate at the DMC parking deck. The vehicle had attempted to exit as the gate started closing and did not stop in time. Damage was done to both the car and the gate.

May 6

10:15 p.m. — Spring House fire alarm system went into a trouble status. The monitoring company mistakenly dispatched the AFD.

8:10 p.m. — Spring House Security was notified by a student that someone had tied a condom onto the door handle of her car. Her car also would not start, but it was determined that that was caused by corrosion on the battery terminal.

May 3

3:49 p.m. — A student passed out in class. 911 was contacted and APD, AFD and EMS responded. Student was revived prior to AFD arrival. Student was checked by AFD and refused further treatment.

11:19 a.m. — A fire alarm was activated at the ACA Residence Hall, and the building was evacuated. The alarm had been cleared and indications were that it was caused by a smoke detector in the elevator room. A short time later the alarm at the same point went off again. Woodruff Maintenance was contacted to clean or change the smoke detector.

April 28

8:05 p.m. — Security was notified by the owner of a vehicle that a rear window on the passenger side was busted out. Nothing was missing from the vehicle.

SCAD Atlanta launches clothing drive to serve Atlanta’s homeless

This year’s annual clothing drive focuses on serving the homeless of Atlanta. In conjunction with hosting “My Concrete Mattress,” the May 16 screening of the documentary on homelessness in Atlanta, the residence life and housing department is launching a drive to collect your clean, gently-used clothing items to benefit Safe House Outreach in downtown Atlanta.  All donations will benefit those who need clothing the most.  Collection bins are located in the Spring House and ACA House lobbies as well as in the Student Success Center, which is located on the first floor of SCAD Atlanta’s main academic building. Items will be accepted until Saturday, May 29. For more information, e-mail Jessica Merriman at jmerrima@scad.edu.

Family guy

Photo of the week

Last week SCAD Atlanta Radio debuted their first music video in the Hub by the “Guys Night Out” (GNO) radio hosts which includes Eric Beatty, Robby White, Dinesh Dave, and Dylan Fagan. You can watch their video here and also even download the song for your enjoyment!

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Atlanta designers debut at SCAD Fashion Show in Savannah

By L.G. McCord

“The future of any industry is centered right here at SCAD,” said Michael Fink, dean of SCAD’s School of Fashion Design. Fink presented two SCAD students with the Golden Scissors award, then introduced the SCAD 2010 Fashion Show, May 15 at the Trustees Theater in Savannah, Georgia.  Moments later, the heart pounding sounds of DJ Sharpnel filled the theater and fashion took over the catwalk.

28 senior fashion students were featured in the show. Six of the featured designers were from SCAD Atlanta: Makensangla Imcha Payne, Rita Watson, Rebecca Formichella, Maria Ah, Rachel Wertz and Becky Wong. Each student’s name was displayed in lights on the stage, while four of their fashions paraded the catwalk.

Each designer’s signature style was apparent. One student’s design showed the proficient construction of boning and serging, inspired by the architectural form and shape of towers in Dubai. The crowd held their breath as they watched models strut down the catwalk in seducing stacked-platform stilettos. Another designer showcased looks of classic romance in clean blacks and creams adorned with fur. Others introduced new trends such as lamb leather ankle cuffs in fabrics such as silk and jersey. Yet another student designer showed hand-painted prints and rust dyed fabrics, creating tie-dyed effects. Fashions ranged from high-end abstract to ready-to-wear sportswear inspired by shapes and pirates.

Valerie Samuel, an attendee who lives in Savannah and comes to the show every year, said that she left the show with “more ideas for color coordinating.”

Professionals and students meet at Out to Launch

SCAD Atlanta held its third annual Out to Launch portfolio exhibition on May 6, showcasing student work to entice potential employers. This event is a kind of reverse career fair, where students display their work in a typical career fair format. Faculty, staff and potential employers were able to view student portfolios from fields such as advertising design, animation, graphic design, illustration, interactive design and game development, motion media design, photography and writing. Jonathan Justice, a senior interactive design and game development student, said, “[The opportunity to participate in Out to Launch] is not something you should pass up … I met a lot of people from some big industry companies … I even got an interview with one of them.”

During the second half of the event, held on the morning of May 7, students enjoyed a lecture by keynote speaker Chris Hall, president and executive officer of BBDO in Atlanta, titled, “Succeeding in the New Now.” Hall’s lecture addressed the financial meltdown and how the economy has changed the landscape of advertising. Despite the looming recession, Hall’s words encouraged students as he credited “the blurring of technology” for the creation of new jobs in the creative industry. Hall exclaimed, “[Now is the] best time to be in marketing.”

Hall’s speech was followed by an announcement of the best-in-show winners from the previous evening’s portfolio exhibition. The following students took home the top prizes:

Lauren Henderson — advertising
Jessica Wang —animation
Andrea Gill —graphic design
Solango Melaker —illustration
Jonathan Matos — motion media
John Chu — interactive design and game development
David Greer — photography
Gray Chapman —writing

A panel discussion and question-and-answer session with industry leaders from CNN Worldwide, JWT Atlanta, Moxie Interactive, Razorfish, Fitzgerald & Co. and Clockstop Entertainment followed the awards ceremony. The topics ranged from the infamous redesign of the Tropicana carton (“I thought it sucked,” said Scot M. Safon, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for CNN) to the importance of interactive media (“It is not going away,” said Ben Cammarano, director of central media for Microsoft). Hal Barber, associate creative director for Fitzgerald & Co., had this tip for writers looking to break in to the advertising business: “[I look for a] writer who thinks visually.” Safon offered his own advice to students looking for ways to market themselves: “There are tons of ways to get a product out there. You just have to work with the resources you’ve got.” He credited the power of YouTube and other social media as venues that students may use to show potential employers the results of their creativity.

Following the panel discussion, students were able to participate in a networking session with the featured guests.

Don’t try this at home

Comedy ensues at “Funeral”

The film “Death at a Funeral” originally was released in 2007 as a British comedy, starring Matthew Macfadyen and a host of other celebrated British actors. Recently adapted for the American screen, the movie now has a cast featuring Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracey Morgan, Danny Glover and many other American comedic actors.

If you like a good chuckle, this film may fit in your comedic repertoire, falling among the ranks of “Dumb and Dumber,” “Dance Flick” and “Big Mama’s House.”  During the preparations for the funeral of the family patriarch, the oldest brother of the family, played by Chris Rock, tries to pull everything together while unusual and funny circumstances begin to unwind.

Although E! Entertainment News hyped up the film and its original British version, which proved to be a hit overseas, I have found a few cons. The film moves at a slow pace for the first half with too many distractions. Also, some of the actors give great performances, such as Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock, while others appear lackluster. Lawrence and Rock seem to hold back their personalities and skills to balance out with the other actors. Some scenes are more dramatic than necessary, and the comedy wasn’t back-to-back laughter. Despite these observations, the movie does provide great comedic entertainment.

“Death at a Funeral” is now playing in theatres. The film is rated R.

The unique talent and advice of the fabulous Miss J.

By L.G. McCord

SCAD Style week was highlighted with impromptu guest speaker Alexander Jenkins, better known as “Miss J,” a sought-after expert “Queen of the Catwalk.” Born and raised in the South Bronx of New York City, he credited his mother for introducing him to fashion. Alexander has worked with the SCAD Fashion Show for the past 10 years, preparing models and enhancing their poise and grace for the catwalk. He stopped by SCAD Atlanta to speak to the fashion department and shed some insight from his experiences in the fashion industry.

During his speech, Alexander recalled stories from his childhood. He also told students how he became involved in the fashion industry. An accidental run-in with Monique Pillard, president of Elite Model Management, while he was dressed in drag began Alexander’s modeling career. Miss J expressed to the students that the best way to succeed is to “work, work, work, work, work — hard work. Dream big, big, big — huge. Plan your work, work your plan.” Alexander wished that he could learn everything through osmosis. He also admitted to taking advantage of every opportunity that came his way.

Through modeling, Alexander met Tyra Banks; they have been friends since the age of 16. He often advised Banks on her walk. Over time, he worked with fashion supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons. Alexander’s passion eventually developed into a skill, launching his career. This led to a partnership with Banks and the global television show, “Next Top Model.” Alexander took time during his speech to acknowledge the influencers in students’ lives — teachers. He also encouraged students to listen with their ears and to know that they are their own best guinea pigs. Students should experiment their ideas on themselves and even on their friends.

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