The 35th annual fashion show at Genesee Community College is so very close being that it is only 2 days away! So with that said the question ‘What is fashion to you?’ is sparking the interest of many.
This year the 8th scene of the show is Bohemian chic featuring children’s wear. This scene is produced by Jessica O’Brien and Jordan Reese with assistance by Bailey Johnson and Jeannie Riveria. This scene is coachella inspired with a hint of children to wow the crowd and grab the attention of the audience.

When I think of fashion I think of the quote “fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life” to me this means you are who you are and what your style is, but that doesn’t mean it defines you. It allows you to extend what fashion is to you. After this year; I will be attending LIM in New York City to continue with my dreams of fashion.
35 years of fashion has been demonstrated and shown through this community, and this year we, as a whole are producing fashion is. We can’t wait to see what you all think of this years show. Hope to see you there!

-Jessie O’Brien

Recently I reached out to several popular fashion/ life style bloggers in the Western New York area. I Thought it would be great to get their ideas on the essence of fashion, and the meaning it plays in their lives. Lindsay Robson of NickelCityPretty, Andrea Barberia of GlamourCocktail, and Ruya Kirac of SweetShortand Stylish, were kind enough to reflect on the question of what fashion is to them, and provide us with heartfelt responses:

“Fashion is the greatest form of personal expression. It’s a way to show who I am and tell my story without using words. Fashion is fun and exciting and gives me an outlet to take a chance and step out of my comfort zone.”

-Ruya Kirac

What does “Amerikuh” mean in your own words?

I decided to name my scene “Amerikuh” based on the Palmer Trading Company’s past campaign titled the same, with all of the current events going on in America; whether that be politics, music, or religion. Their slogan is  “All Of Us Belong” I felt it fit perfectly with what I wanted to convey to the audience because we all want a sense that we fit somewhere in today’s society.

What are your design influences?

I am really obsessed with Europe’s fashion scene particularly London, I just love that British menswear is so classic and innovating with clean lines. My design influences are Dries Van Noten, Ray Kelvin for Ted Baker, Christopher Bailey for Burberry, and Alessandro Michele for Gucci and of course I have tons more but these are my top 10 lol.

What are your future career plans beyond GCC?

I plan to transfer to South Dakota State University to finish my Bachelors of Science in Apparel Merchandising and study aboard in London to earn my Master’s Degree in Menswear design.

By: Arion Bashir

When asked the simple question, “what is fashion to you?”, I automatically think of my very own personal style. I would have to say that my style is pretty edgy mostly because I’m never seen without wearing all black and a leather jacket. Upon creating my scene for this years 35th Annual Fashion Show, I had to make sure it was super edgy, sexy and dark using the only colors of black and gold. That’s how I came up with “Acrimonious” for my scene name.

My clothes for my scene consist of actual clothing pieces from my closet, clothing and accessories from Kohl’s in Batavia and having the extremely talented Erin Nesmith make an entire outfit. I was very specific with what looks I wanted for my scene and I’m so excited to finally showcase them on the runway in only a couple of weeks! As I am identified as the scene coordinator for “Acrimonious”, I would not have been able to put it all together without the help of Erin Nesmith, Matt Wagner who is my scene assistance, Nyla Council who drew an amazing picture for my backdrop and of course all of my beautiful models.

As much as I want to keep talking about my scene, I don’t want to give too much information away because I want to leave it as a surprise for everyone watching the day of the show! I am so anxious and excited for April 30th to be here and I know everyone that is involved in this years fashion show is too. So attend GCC’s 35th Annual Fashion Show and watch everyone’s handwork and scenes come to life! You won’t want to miss this amazing event.

-Kate Trowse

“My name is Matthew and I will be working with Kate Trowse on her scene, I will be helping with the hair and makeup portion of her scene and will also be making sure all the models are runway ready! Makeup is such a passion of mine because it can really make a person come alive! Just by adding some coverage and color to a face can really make a person stand out and look their best. I want to bring my techniques to the table to help Kate make her scene the best it can be and I have no doubt that we will have a killer show!”

-Matthew Wagner

The 35th annual fashion show at Genesee Community College will be upon us in just a few short weeks. Lauren Countryman, whom began studying fashion while abroad in Florence, Italy (2014), now finds herself a scene coordinator for this years show. After gaining a lot of knowledge and experience through her course work and through internships, she will be graduating, post-show with her classmates in May!

The name of her scene. Pneu Moda, is inspired by the aesthetic of classic looks infused with modern streetstyle; together creating a perfect dichotomy. Of course, the act of creating is undoubtedly autobiographical at the roots, but the way in which she has explored her past for this sustainable collection was in sooth, on a higher plane.

Here is another sample from the 2015 fall menswear collection designed by Raf Simons. This is just another look at the way she interpreted the trends she sees everyday with more classic, contemporary styles. 

It all began and will inevitably commence, so arcane and comprehensive; meanwhile, consciously translating fashions to the demographic and never losing sight of her own style perspective or interpretation. The words that comprise the scene name, Pneu Moda, also drove a vast majority of her inspiration for the garments of which she upcycled herself. It really gave each individual piece a noticeable light of unconventionality, and deeper meaning. The word Pneuma, derived from the ancient greeks, is defined as “an actual breath (to breathe), wind, the vital spirit, soul or creative energy force within a person.”

       Chiara Ferragni Streetstyle: source link = http://www.theblondesalad.com/2015/07/barbie-in-hollywood.htmlThis photo is a great depiction of the streetstyle that she wanted her scene to embody. Chiara Ferragni, Italian Fashion Blogger, is wearing a Jaydee Barbie in Hollywood jacket with a pair of vintage Levis Strauss.

  A quotation from Anaximenes observes that “just as our soul (psyche), being air, holds us together, so do breath (pneuma) and air encompass the whole world. According to Diocles and Praxagoras, the psychic pneuma meditates between the heart, regarded as the seat of the mind. Analogously, others have said pneuma to be the active, generative principal that organizes both the individual and the cosmos. A lot to take in, but she found great took great insight from the other facet of the word – that being our ‘childlike’ spirit, something every person, creative or not, should have and take advantage of. In all aspects of life, there is nothing more trying or telling than time and aging. Not only do they contribute to your ability (or lack thereof) to have the perspective to understand your purpose, then and now but they form your experiences, choices and decisions that make you an original copy.

Last, but certainly not least, is the epitome of chic, Miss. Jenna Lyons, J. Crews creative director and president. Whether she is attending the Knowles’ wedding or captured for her exceptional street-style game at fashion week, there is no denying her eye for style. These are all images of people and fashions that Lauren collected and utilized as inspiration for Pneu Moda.

‘What you’re meant to do’ – can be a very formidable opponent in the game of life. When people make the  choice to open their eyes, heart and mind, you’re standing at the threshold of your past and what’s destined to be.  If you become open to chance, opportunity and experience – without preconceived ideas, you’re allowing life to happen as it’s meant to.

The profound amount of research and creative energy put into this scene was driven by that same childlike spirit that pneuma embodies.This is too often mistaken for unsophistication or insignificance and here it’s so embraced and has both the look and feel of high style. This collection is presented with  hopes to define fashion in her own words: unprecedented yet meaningful and fashion-forward.It will really be a showcase of a ‘Pneu Moda Savoir Faire.’ This scene, alongside all of the other amazing collection in the show this year, are sure to provide both intrigue and enchantment. The opportunity has arrived to open your eyes in new ways with new fashion. Stay tuned for more on Pneu Moda, other scenes, show updates and more, we cannot wait to see you there!