Fashion

Learning by doing is the mantra of GCC’s Fashion Program. Follow along as our students coordinate the annual GCC Fashion Show!

Learning Fashion Design with Raul Siro Ferreira

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As the bus turns on to East Main Street in Rochester, New York, we catch a glimpse of Raul Siro Ferreirra, fast at work completing a custom Civil War inspired suit jacket for a clients upcoming nuptials. Raul is not only a world renowned designer; he is the owner of a hidden fashion gem, tucked away in one of Roc City’s most creative and eclectic locations, The Village Gate. Each 1 Stitch 1 is a sewing house that provides everything from sewing machines to t-shirt presses for use by anyone—including the designing rookie or the seasoned seamstress. As we entered the facility, we were warmly welcomed by Raul and invited to take in the atmosphere of a designer. One wall donned racks of designs that were not only created by Raul but also by up and coming hopefuls and students.

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Raul was an open book and candid about his modest beginnings in the fashion industry. A native of Queens, he began sewing at the age of 9 making his own clothing but found there were not enough patterns available for boys. This prompted him as a preteen to begin creating his own patterns. Another fact is his original career path was that of a veterinarian. He graduated from Cornell University and along with a friend opened up a practice which was short lived for Raul as he found his allergy to cats was too much to manage. This gave way to reigniting the designer’s spark.

Back to NYC he went, where he studied and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). He went on to design all over the world including for Calvin Klein, Broadway and the costumes for Spiderman 2!! In 2007 he decided to begin his own business as he believed Rochester had a talent pool and a market for manufacturing along with tax incentives. Unfortunately the business fell prey to the recession but Raul did not give way to defeat.

Lemons? No way! He turned these circumstances into a tall glass of lemonade, creating, Each 1 Stitch 1.  As he shared his journey with my fellow students and me, he would at times give way to a slight chuckle which would follow his words of fashion business truths. He advised us to stay true to ourselves and business comes first.  Friends and associates will try to monopolize your time but you must insist on taking care of your customers first as it is business not personal. Also, know your niche as a designer, as you should only be making a limited amount of merchandise until you have a profitable client base. His hope is to continuing growing his business and paving the way for all who want to learn construction and design, especially the youth who otherwise would not be afforded the opportunity to explore their creativity.  As a parting sentiment of inspiration, he let the students take remnants from his material collection. Raul’s love for fashion is evident. A veteran of Rochester’s Fashion Week, he still has a lot of designs left to share. Stay tuned as we are sure to see more fabulous fashions in the very near future.

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Interested in broadening your sewing technique?  Each 1 Stitch 1 located at 1115 East Main Street, Rochester, New York. The facilities are available for a low nominal fee; $10 per hr, $50 for 20 visits and $100.00 per month for unlimited visits. Private instruction available upon request. www.each1stitch1.com

Written by Raquel Goff

Yes, I was on Your TV

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Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be a glamorous movie or television star? Recently, I got a small taste of fame with my Television Commercial Debut. I cannot say I’m getting Warhol’s promised fifteen minutes of fame, but if you watch Fox or Buffalo stations, you might see my thirty seconds in the lights.
It all started when in a late night lapse in judgment; I answered a vague Craigslist posting looking for a “real Mom” to be in a commercial for a retail store. After about a day of paranoia that I had just given the “Craigslist killer” personal information about myself, I get the call from a studio executive. I’m told a few details about the project and I’m asked to upload a short video about my family and shopping habits. Enough time passes for me to decide that I wasn’t chosen when another mysterious call comes in.
I was one of two Moms who were invited to shop our local grocery store and then compare those items with the prices at the major retailer. I was briefed on a long list of legalities, rules, and a banned clothing list that eliminated nearly every item in my wardrobe. I am also told a ridiculous tale of shopping horror stories, so I knew what not to do. Tuesday morning at 7:45 came early, as I met the company officials and 2nd Mom at a donut shop. After some inevitable getting lost and an embarrassing display of my inability to work a smart phone type gadget, we arrive at the grocery store.
The initial shopping trip begins. I chose my forty items, being careful to stay within the guidelines, while getting an accurate snap shot of a typical shopping trip. It was just like a normal shopping trip with my family except I didn’t have my family throwing random junk food in the cart, and the executive actually helped load groceries on the cart and carried the bags. The company was kind enough to purchase these groceries, as they would be critical during this next stage.
We arrive at the major retail store where I’m greeted by store managers, film crew, make-up artist, and the star of the commercial. After a tour of the store, the results are revealed…drumroll…. I was chosen to be in the commercial! With a handshake, Mom #2 leaves, and I am sat down in a make-up chair. For perhaps the first time in twenty years, my hair is “done.” My face is layered with concealer, powder, and I’m introduced to a medieval torture device called an eyelash curler. The nice lady warns, “Do not move or you will lose all your eyelashes.” The move magic continues, as microphones are taped inside my shirt and attached to the back of my pants.
The first location is the produce section, where I strike a pose for a photo shoot, as onlookers select their fruits and veggies. We film a short clip outside, where my eyes water from the cold in the winter air. Next, we film the first product comparison. I have no lines or rehearsal, but instead, I’m instructed to listen to what the host tells me to react. Take One…Take Two. I quickly become aware of the time restrictions as the host is instructed to change his wording or pace. Logic tells me I also do not have time to recite a soliloquy. We continue in this manner for the other products, as I laugh at the quirky host and marvel the price differences between the two stores. Each step of the way there are legal concerns to consider, which I find of particular interest as a paralegal major.
Bystanders gawk, and wonder out loud what we are doing, even asking who I am. A staff member quips, “Don’t you know her? She’s a famous star!” I felt like a real celebrity as the make-up lady touched up my hair and make-up between every take. We break for lunch, but I can hardly eat from all the excitement. By the time the video shot rapped around 4:00, I was exhausted, but they still had questions for a radio spot.
When I was finally done for the day, I come to GCC for my night class. I get the first look at myself in the mirror, and use water and paper towels to wipe off as much gunk as I could. It was good to relax and return to life among the “normal” people. Apparently, being myself, is the toughest acting job I’ve ever imagined.
Within two days, My Facebook lit up with friends asking if that was me they saw on TV. Co-workers were calling asking for the famous “Rhonda Parker” and family was stopping me in the store, asking for my autograph. I was one of the last one to see the finished product. My husband and started watching TV just to see the commercials. My face becomes the last thing I’d see before bed, and the first thing I woke up to in the morning. I was unavoidable, just like the crew promised I would be.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It gave me, yet again, a more objective view on the Hollywood lifestyle. A lot more work goes into every aspect of making a movie, or commercial in this case, then you would ever home to imagine. I found out a few things I might never have known about myself. First of all, I’d rather sleep in than have to start my day several hours before the crack of dawn. I’d rather be the one behind the camera, or better yet behind the computer monitor. Most importantly, I do not want to ever be within fifty feet of an eyelash curling device ever again! I’m still having post-traumatic stress syndrome from that evil little beauty aid!

Model Auditions February 12th & 13th

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The fashion show planning has begun! We are kicking of the year with a great start and as each day passes the anticipation builds for the most exciting event at GCC. The 32nd annual fashion show, Fashion Forward, is on Saturday April 27th. There will be an afternoon show at 3:00 and an evening show at 7:00.

Are you interested in being a part of Western New York’s largest fashion show? Model auditions will be held on Tuesday February 12th from 11:00-2:00 and Wednesday February 13th from 11:00-2:00. Anyone is welcome to come strut their stuff in front of the scene producers. There are currently 12 scenes in the show, with each scene consisting of 15-25 models that’s up to 300 models!

If you are interested in being involved please join us at the forum stage and dress to impress. We will be interested in your appearance, walk, and poses, so please be prepared to walk for a set judges. We will be asking for all models to have availibilty on Friday April 26th from 3:00-8:00 and all day Saturday April 27th. We may also need models to meet for fittings based on scene selection.

The scene producers will be making their model selection the following week and we will post our selections by D260. If anyone is not chosen for the show please don’t take it personally. Based on my experience, as a model and a fashion show producer, I know the hardship people face when being turned down for a modeling job but it may have nothing to do with appearance. I have had to turn down beautiful models because they are too small to wear my merchandise. So once again don’t be upset, specific merchandise requires certain body types. There will always be another show where you could be the perfect model.

If anyone is unable to make model auditions please contact me, Samantha Vogt. My email is svogt1@genesee.edu. Anyone auditioning who is not a student at GCC can contact my personal email Samantha.macey@ymail.com. I will need your contact information, height, age, size, location and a few pictures so the scene producers have an idea of your appearance. One head shot along with a few body shots would be the most preferable. In addition to the photos, if you have any other modeling experiences please list those as well.

We are looking for a large variety of models male, female, children, adults, tall, short, curvy, thin, etc. So please audition even if you are not the typical 6 foot size 00 models seen on TV. If you are beautiful and can work it on the runway, you are exactly who we are looking for.

I will be looking forward to everyone auditioning this week and I cannot wait to see everyone work it!

Sew, What’s Happening?

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Today, the general public and GCC students were treated to wealth of knowledge and experience from an array of business leaders within the local fashion community. Our Professors, Donna Ehrhart and Rick Dudkowski, managed to bring these leading voices together in what turned out to be a very successful event. With the help of Natalie Brown, Event Project Manager, afternoon tea and sandwiches were severed  along with many great talks from our dynamic panel.

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Jill Bates – Jill Bates Fashion, Rochester, NY ( GCC Fashion Advisory Board)

Jill Bates, aka the “fashion physician,” is a professional seamstress and fashion designer specializing in wedding gown alterations and all types of formal wear. She has more than 30 years experience. Jill has a studio in East Rochester where she also sells a line of energy scarves called Chales and has started a hairpiece accessory line, “Something Blue” www.jillbatesfashion.com

Donald Brown – Vice President, Charles Men’s Shop, Batavia, NY (GCC Fashion Advisory Board)

Donald Brown got into retail 18 years ago after a successful decade in computer operations. That background helped him implement changes that have allowed his family’s tailored men’s clothing and sportswear store to survive in the changing retail world with the utilization of technology. Charles Men’s Shop attracts customers from througout the region who value the quality and service the store provides. www.cmssuits.com

Candace Cooper – Can’de Couture, Webster, NY

What started as a senior project, turned into an up and coming fashion line for GCC fashion design student Candace Cooper. Her Can’de Couture clothes aim to offer sophisticated yer affordable style. You can see Candace’s work in a scene she’ll design for the 32nd annual, Spring Fashion show, Fashion Forward! Click Can’de Couture to see here previous designs and find out more about this young talent.

Kathy Healey – Healey Wear, Greece, NY

Kathy Healey credits her mom as her first sewing teacher and the family ping pong table as the first cutting table shared with her six sisters  After working as a buyer for Sibley’s a youth development specialist, and a cooking instructor  she started her home-based business, Healey Wear, fifteen years ago. She specializes in creating custom garments and window treatments.

Kristine Iannazzi – Fashion Designer & CEO, Embrasse-moi

A Kansas native, Kristine Iannazzi landed in Rochester after a stop in New York City’s Garment District. In 2008, she opened a lingerie boutique, Embrasse-moi, that three years later was named the #1 lingerie boutique in North America. She’s expanded her offerings to include swim, shoes, accessories, resort clothing, and active wear and looks to open more stores in the future. www.embrasse-moi.com

Karen Schimpf – Sew On-Sew Forth, Depew, NY

A seasoned executive and lifelong western New Yorker, Karen Schimpf has been president of Sew On-Sew Forth since 2003. Offering everything from fabric supplies to classes and service on all makes and models of sewing machines. The business is an exclusive Brother International sewing, embroidery, quilting, and serger machine dealer for western New York. www.so-sf.com

Raul Siro Ferreira – Siro’s Fashion in Design & Each 1 Stitch 1 Fabric Store & Design Studio, Rochester, NY (GCC Fashion Advisory Board)

New York City native Raul Sirp Ferreora has created costimes for Broadway shows, films, and TV programs. Relocating to Rochester in 2007, he opened Siro’s Fashion in  Design, a high-end custom clothing line. His new passion is a creative studio, Each 1 Stitch 1. Offereing classes and workspace, he envisions a gathering place for the Western New York fashion community. www.each1stitch1.com

From left to right: Jill Bates, Donald Brown, Candace Cooper, Kathy Healey, Kristine Iannazzi, Karen Schimpf, Raul Siro Ferreira

From left to right: Jill Bates, Donald Brown, Candace Cooper, Kathy Healey, Kristine Iannazzi, Karen Schimpf, Raul Siro Ferreira

Designing our Future

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Candace #1

Candace Cooper is the founder and designer of  Can’de Couture , an up and coming fashion brand. It’s popularity has dominated across her home town of Rochester and now she is striving to reach across Western New York. The Can’de Couture collection began as a senior project and ended up becoming the start of her dream.”For a girl who has never had a sewing class in her life, I truly believe that this talent is a gift from God.”

 Can’de Couture was first discovered by well-known photographer named Christopher Cardwell, owner of  GoodKnews Photography. He was astounded by the designs of the collection and was very impressed by Candace, who was only seventeen at the time.  After the brand was discovered, Candace was contacted by the director of ROC The Runway, one of the biggest fashion shows in Rochester, NY. They expressed the need of featuring Can’de Couture in the show and that year Candace was presented with the title of the youngest and most talented designer in the show.

Candace #3

Since the show, Can’de Couture’s brand has had many business inquires and a tremendous boost in clientele.  Can’de Couture’s target market are young ladies that are looking for a posh style without the high price tag.

Can’de Couture encourages the motto of “dressing for success every day.” The brand focuses on trendy designs, while pursing the most affordable  of styles for fashionistas. Can’de Couture’s designs are   classic, with a chic and sophisticated approach. The Can’de Couture brand takes designs to the next level by including edgy and stylish pieces that easily transition from day to night wear.

Candace #2

Despite that Candace is a freshmen at Genesee, she has worked hard and proven her worth. She will be designing  for her own scene in the 32nd Annual Fashion Show, Fashion Forward!

Get ready to see Can’de Couture on the Catwalk!

 

Display and Visual Merchandising – BUS 208

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This is one of my favorite classes I have taken at GCC so far, as it has let me express my creative side, while also developing my team working skills. I have learnt a lot from Ms. Ehrhart who teaches this class with so much passion and vigor. It’s an 8 week class, making it quick paced, and action packed which has given me a better grasp and feel for real world applications. As part of this course, my group was fortunate enough to get real world experience by merchandising the windows at Charles Men’s Shop in Batavia NY.

Charles Men's Shop Display

Charles Men’s Shop Display

Display and visual merchandising is a very hands on class, and during the 8 weeks, our main focus was to complete four visual displays: shadow box, display case, rack and the window.

Each display gave us a chance to work with differing type of visual merchandising, which we may come across in our future careers.

Here are a few examples of our classes finished displays:

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Photos taken by Shawna Platt & Jamie Tyrrell

Fantasy Bridal

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If the merchandise catalog assignment, in the Fashion Trends and Design class, was a contest Kelly Wetherby would have taken the gold.  Kelly’s specialty is bridal. Using her talent and creativity she assembled a bridal guidebook entitled Bella Sposa, which translates to Beautiful Bride.  The bridal guidebook featured three types of silhouettes; ball gowns, mermaids, and A-line. Instead of organizing the gowns by silhouettes, Kelly organized the gowns by Disney Princesses. The ball gowns featured Cinderella and Belle, mermaid style gowns highlighted Ariel, and A-line silhouettes presented Sleeping Beauty. Kelly carefully selected gowns that represented each Disney Princess, along with researching prices and giving detailed descriptions of each style.

Cinderella

Kelly impressed her fellow classmates with her presentation. Her bridal guide was an outstanding example of her creative work. She educated the class with a fantastic presentation of current bridal fashions with an exciting twist. As Kelly’s bridal guide states brides can truly “be a princess on their wedding day!”

Produced By: Ashley Ricketts and Samantha M Vogt

Eleanor Lambert – A Fashion Great

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Myself and many of the fashion students here at GCC learnt in depth about the life and works of Eleanor Lambert from esteemed author and speaker John Tiffany. He captured our attention for more than an hour as he educated and entertained us through the stories of one of the most influential women in the fashion industry.

Eleanor Lambert is less well known to the average Joe than the likes of Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen, but in the whole scheme of American fashion, she is so much more important. The main reason these iconic American designers are hugely successful is due, in no small part, to the hard work Eleanor Lambert did over her many illustrious years, promoting and supporting the American fashion industry as a whole.

My eyes were truly opened to how integral and influential Eleanor was to help change American fashion and put it on the world’s fashion stage to compete with the likes of France and Italy. As fashion students, we owe so much to this amazing lady who helped create the huge fashion industry we see today in America, one which we aspire to be a part of in the near future.

We must also thank John Tiffany for working tirelessly to educate the world, by keeping the wonderful and interesting memories alive of one of fashions most distinguished and forward thinking minds.

A copy of John Tiffany’s book, “Eleanor Lambert: Still Here” which is an essential piece of fashion history, is available at the Genesee Community College Alfred C. O’Connell library.

Available at Amazon.com

Fashion Forward

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As all fashion majors must know, being that it is fall, we are currently looking ahead to our spring season.  In the natural progression of planning for our spring season, the fashion students are in the midst of planning our 32nd annual fashion show. Things are looking promising with our recent donation along with the vast amount of progress towards the show. I would like to have the pleasure to officially announce our spring 2013 fashion show entitled

Fashion Forward will represent an edgy, reinvented and design oriented show. This will be the first fashion show where we will have two years of design students involved, so I am excited to see what unique original designs will be presented on the runway this year. The design students tend to be confidential when it comes to releasing their spring designs, however they have shared a few of the inspirations for their clothing.

As for another new concept, this will be the first show that the fashion program is extending our outreach to our local designers as well as non-design majors at the college. Anyone who is ambitious enough to get involved in this year’s show is welcome to be a part of it.

To give you a better understanding of the show there are “base scenes” and “new scenes”. “New scenes” are new concepts for scenes created by the students that are generally unique to the current fashion show year. “Base scenes” are, for the most part, scenes that are always in the show. Those scenes are a cultural scene, lingerie scene, children’s scene and bridal scene. These scenes tend to have a bigger audience pull therefore to keep our numbers up we include these scenes. These are some examples of “base scenes” concepts for Fashion Forward.

We have excelled so far into the show this year, scene proposals have already been created, designers are creating product, and our class has come to a conclusion of an overall theme. I cannot wait to see what the spring fashion show beholds.

Spring Fashion Show

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It’s October and we already have our fashion students preparing for the Spring 2013 fashion show, this is our thirty second annual fashion show at Genesee. The previous fashion show, Soiree, had over 1600 in attendance therefore the current fashion students have their creative juices flowing, trying to create an even more impressive show than last year. Many ideas and themes for the show are looking quite impressive, one of which is emphasizing the importance of creating a unified show with original designs. The Spring 2013 show is already looking auspicious; the Genesee Fashion Department just recently received 16 new bridal gowns. These gowns are an incredible gift from M. A. Carr Bridal, a bridal salon located in Orchard Park New York. These gowns will permit the fashion design students to reconstruct and produce new original designs. We cannot thank M. A. Carr enough for their generous contribution to our fashion program.