Fashion Program

Fata Morgana: The Power Of Community

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As the 34th annual fashion show at GCC is coming up, everyone is putting things together in order to make certain that the show is a stunning success.

I participated in the 33rd annual fashion show at GCC by assisting with make-up. In this role, I experienced the chaos behind the runway, but it was so much more to showcase the whole show to the audience. The most important thing that I have learned from the first day of fashion production class until this moment, is the power of community. When the class started, everyone had amazing presence on their own part and tried to showcase the best of their talents for the sake of our originality, creativity, and success of the show. People not only worked on their own scenes but also held responsibilities as a committee member for the show. To get to this level of strength, we needed a strong sense of community; there is no success without the cooperation of this community. The selection of the theme of the show, poster design, runway design and all of the decorative items were discussed and decided by our community named Fata Morgana.

This year, I have the wonderful opportunity of working as a coordinator for the scene “BARE by Jocelyn Eade.” I worked tirelessly to earn this opportunity, and I have learned how to find which people I work best with, as well as how to be organized and coordinate things well in a short span of time, and how to assist my group within the best of my capabilities. As a coordinator, I take responsibilities for the arrangement of meetings, announcements, and all other communications for the  “Bare” scene. This pleasing burden I currently carry on my shoulders has allowed me to break out of my comfort zone, perform the best I can on my part, and become a better person for the communities I belong to.

I strongly believe every mistake and hardship “team Fata Morgana” faced was worth it for the success of the GCC 34th annual fashion show, Fata Morgana. I am so pleased to be part of this community and showcase this tremendous fashion show. Yes, the show is coming up. Only twelve days until the audience will be amazed for Fata Morgana!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Eunice GoEun Park.

Blooming Onstage

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The day of GCC’s 34th annual fashion show, Fata Morgana, is coming up on April 25th. The theme Fata Morgana is inspired by beautiful deserts. However, the direct meaning of a Fata Morgana is a mirage. A mirage changes rapidly and shows us different views, and sometimes may bring unpredictable materials. Similar to a mirage, we will provide individuals with a rapidly changing view as each color of the desert blooms onstage.

For last year’s fashion show, I was in charge of the Front of the House committee. As a part of this committee, I watched and experienced many things. I was amazed to see the world that GCC students were able to create. Now, we’ll be the ones creating, and will provide viewers with a stage set to show a more fabulous world. This year, I am a part of the Front of the House Committee once again, and will support and contribute to the success of the fashion show fully. I am happy to contribute to the stage yet again as a part of this group of fashion students.

Our fashion show is coming in just a couple of weeks, and we are making steady progress in our preparations. The success of the fashion show will be made by not only our efforts, but also the audience member’s reactions while watching the show. Please don’t miss this moment! We look forward to showing you all what we have to offer.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Kaho Sugisawa.

Two Halves Make A Whole

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Untitled.jpgAs the 34th annual fashion show approaches, everyone is working harder than ever to make sure it is the best one to date. While the fashion students have been preparing their scenes, stage, and gift bags, to ensure the fashion show is a success, the tourism and hospitality students have been perfecting the decorations, refreshments, and door prizes to make the reception memorable. It is crucial for these two halves of the event to be cohesive, and it wouldn’t be possible without the teamwork and communication that is exhibited between these two distinct majors.

Untitled3.jpgMany details go into transforming the forum and cafeteria for the fashion show. We want guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into another world when they enter the building. This year, the forum will be packed with chairs, a beautiful stage, and hundreds of twinkling lights. The decorations for the cafeteria will include tapestries ordered from India, countless lanterns, as well as centerpieces decorated with beads that the Tourism and Hospitality Management students have spent countless hours assembling. Just as the posters say, you really do have to see it to believe it. See for yourself April 25th !         

This blog was contributed by Rebecca Meloon.

Among The Wild Flowers

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The 34th annual fashion show at GCC is coming up and I already know it’s going to be a huge success! Last year I interned for two scenes, the menswear and the children’s wear scene. I had a great experience interning for the children’s wear scene and was able to assist in picking out the merchandise as well as style the children.

This year I knew I wanted to produce my own scene, so Taylor Bunch and I are producing the children’s scene for this year’s show Fata Morgana. The overall theme of the show focuses on deserts around the world and the idea of a mirage. We decided to make the concept for the children’s scene very bohemian and natural in order to coordinate with the theme. We came up with the title “Among The Wild Flowers” from the lyrics of a Tom Petty song.

We picked out the clothing the children will be wearing from Lord & Taylor and Gymboree. We were very excited to find that the store had a lot of bohemian and floral pieces that we mixed and matched to create our vision for our scene. We will be doing some DIY accessories to make the overall looks more natural and make our little models look like flower children.

We are going to be very busy the next couple of weeks making sure to get everything perfect for the show. Make sure you come out on April 25th to see what everyone has been working so hard on! You won’t want to miss it!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Katie Strong.

Beast To Beauty

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yoThe 34th Annual Genesee Community College Fashion show, Fata Morgana, is inspired by the beauty of the desert. What better place to find inspiration between the hot sand, the blazing sun, and the beautiful colors that stretch over the endless sky?

Together Sara Elliot and I have created Transcendence, meaning to go beyond or exceedingly ordinary limits. This scene will bring something new to the Annual Genesee Community College Fashion Show that has never been seen in the thirty-three years the fashion show has been running; a scene completely dedicated to costumes.

The inspiration of the scene is hidden among the dunes of endless sand and shrubs that grow in the deserts of the world. In the desert, not always seen but always there, are the plants and creatures that call the desert home.

kkkThese animals include the armadillo, the pangolin, the rattlesnake, the echidna, and more. In Transcendence, each costume is inspired by a plant or animal that inhabits the desert. The scene is also inspired by the cultural life of several deserts through the styles of the designs and the fabrics and prints used. With a combination of original designs, cultural flare, and bold prints, this is a scene that will turn desert beasts to beauties.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Design Student Angelique Porey.

De-stress Yourself

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There are only a few more weeks left until the GCC fashion show! Sounds stressful, huh? Why yes, it is. Putting on a fashion show is a rather tricky task, and tons of hard work. So much stress comes along with it including biting your nails, having the urge to snap, maybe even pulling your hair out. With very little time to make everything come together, where is the time to relax? Sure you might say that there is none at all and that you are always on the run. But for a successful fashion show to come together you need to eliminate that stress and just go with the flow. Sure, it doesn’t sound appealing and may even seem like that’s a no-go. Although, what sounds better? Stressing out to the point that you have no idea what to do and carrying an unbearable weight on your shoulders, or feeling calm and confident that you are doing things right? Sure the time might be disappearing quickly but you do have to take care of yourself as well. Especially since everyone says that your health is the number one thing.

Now, some people might already be thinking about the day of the fashion show, that’s when the stress fully kicks-in. At this point everyone is hoping for the best; hoping that the models you hired will come on time, that nothing rips before the show or gets dirty, and most of all hoping that none of your models fall down the runway. Of course, there’s so much that comes with the fashion show and the negative things are always thought about, but why not let the positive outweigh the negatives. Here are a few tips on how to de-stress before the fashion show arrives. Number one would be to perform a few breathing exercises that will stimulate the mind and calm down the body. Of course plenty of sleep will do justice, but if you are nervous for the show and with the added excitement mixed in, one night of rest might not cut it. Enjoying the day before by having fun with the rehearsals and thinking positively might help to eliminate some stress.  Go into another world and just enjoy the calmness of it. That’s where meditation comes into play, this can be effective in calming the mind and creating a sense of happiness. Eating healthy is another way to de-stress. The Next tip would be to keep your eye on the ball. Sometimes we can all get caught up in the planning and details rather than what it’s all about. Take some time for yourself, take a spa day or even a yoga day just to get your balance back into check. Your health is the most important thing; spend time doing anything that relaxes or de-stresses you. It always works and it’s the best way to relax and ensure that the fashion show will be a success.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Maggie Blaszczak.

Coming Down To The Real of Fashion

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Well, there’s only 26 days left until the 34th annual fashion show at GCC titled “Fata Morgana.” I honestly can’t wait to say i’ve completed everything for my scene (and put everything I’ve done into my resume) because so much has happened during the process of producing this show. From losing team mates all the way down the line, to almost not having a scene. In the end, when you show you have strived to get where you are and have the passion for what you do, it is inevitable for it to happen. I believe the hardest thing for me during this time was trying to stay consistent with believing in myself, because as soon as I took four steps forward something always pushed me two steps back.

Everything in the month of January seemed like fun and games, but it really wasn’t. I had a group set in stone and thought that they were behind me all the way, but then each person bailed out on me without any reason. I came to the realization what did they do anyway, after all I was the one who put everything together. I just had to keep on moving forward, because I couldn’t let that stop me. However, at the same time I wondered “what do I do now?” That original plan I had was no longer in effect. I let February completely pass me by, and then I officially got “plan B” in order. Now “plan B” consists of getting my foundation for my scene. Doing rehearsals with fourteen lovely models, contacting my hair stylist/makeup artist, and most importantly working with a team of people that I know for a fact won’t bail out on me, and that know me the best, my roommates.That ran smoothly, but I went to class and proposed my scene once more thinking that everything was going to go as planned, but then I found out I was unable to receive money to produce my scene because we are unable to order items online and return them. Finding that out pushed me back down, and I had to find a way to earn two-hundred dollars before the end of spring break in order to pay for the merchandise in my scene. I didn’t let that stop me though, I decided to produce my own scene, and earn my own budget money. By early March I was able to go home for break, and scrapped together every penny I could from everybody I knew .Finally something went according to plan. Now break is over, and I returned  feeling good about myself and my scene, but I overslept and missed my third production class. From there, everything crumbled, a colleague came to me and told me that my scene had been cut. I didn’t know how to react; I was angry, sensitive, and in that moment I thought everything was over. I thought things through and said to myself, “well at least i’m still project manager for back of the house.” I went to class that next Wednesday and got put on the spot to explain why I deserved to get my scene back. I was thinking to myself about what I could say, and nothing came to mind. Then my name was called and I was standing in front of the room and I was looking at everybody who wants and understands what I want to do for a living, and then it naturally flowed out of me. I had everybody shaking their heads agreeing with everything that I had to say.Then I heard the best news, “DJ, you have your scene back!” From there on out, everything has been going smoothly.

The moral of my story for fashion is to never give up on something that you believe in. Fashion is truly something I believe in, and i will never take it for granted.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student DJ Simmons.

Is It All Chaos? Behind The Scenes 101

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A fashion show would not be its best without a hint of chaos here and there, let’s be honest! The key to controlling the chaos is organization! I got first-hand experience and felt the adrenaline rush of working behind the scenes and also interning with a particular scene called “Off with their Heads” coordinated by Ashley Arter for the 23rd annual fashion show here at GCC; Fashion Forward.

I have to say it was an awesome experience! I was hands on with everything and anything she needed help with. For Ashley’s scene she hand made all her pieces that the models would walk the runway in. The models looked amazing in her Alexander McQueen inspired designs. I was very happy that she chose me to help her with scene and that I had the opportunity to gain the experience of working back of the house and interning. Let me tell you that being an intern was not an easy job, but a very important one at that. I was to be present at every dress rehearsal, fitting, and run through up until the show day. Which I didn’t mind because hello that’s what being an intern is!

On the day of the show I would say that the one thing that is the most important besides having everything completed is timing! Timing is the aspect of the show that can either make it or break it, and working back of the house is all timing. Each person in her scene, including myself, models, and other helpers were to be there at the same exact time; got to stay professional! Making sure everyone was present and ready to go was the major start to the day. Setting the room up was the next. From foiling the windows, moving the desks to be able to maneuver, setting up hair and makeup stations, and then getting all the garments on rolling racks with names of the models on them for easy and efficient dressing. No food or drink whatsoever in the room! Next was to get everyone situated and go right in to hair and makeup; there is absolutely no time to spare! Ashley and I worked on all the models; she worked more on the hair aspect, and I took on the makeup, which personally was fun for me! When the last smoky eye was finished, and the last spritz of hair spray was sprayed, it was then outfit time. This got a little chaotic, not going to lie. Not to say that it was rushed, but we were crunched for time because the hair and makeup took longer to perfect. Luckily, since we organized the pieces during set up it was easier to get the girls into their outfits. Once everyone was checked in their- last looks it was time for the lineup. Each model was appointed a certain spot based off the order of the clothing in which the scene would take place and ultimately make sense. Lined up and ready to go in the hallway to walk down the runway, there was one last very important step made; the infamous GUM CHECK. With that taken care of we were right on schedule making it down right on time before Ashley’s scene was to go on. We were behind the curtain with the models who were lined up and ready to go. We did a super quick garment check one last time. All the bows were tied, zippers up, and hair in place. Now the timing of the scene was practiced over many times in rehearsals, the first model knew exactly when to walk out as soon as the music started. This was the most anticipated part of the entire day, if the timing was off, the whole scene would not work. But she nailed it and the scene went just as planned and ended right on time! Ashley was ecstatic and I was happy to be a part of her final grade.

All the nail biting, worrying, absolutely draining and tedious rehearsals, and nonstop work was all worth it. It was two minutes of perfection. The chaotic feeling made for an even sweeter victory. The experience I gained and knowledge I took away from doing back of the house and being an intern gave me skills that I will carry onto other jobs and tasks in the fashion industry. I am excited to be working back of the house again for this year’s fashion show and am looking forward to the final outcome of everyone’s hard work and dedication. So is it really all chaos? I’d have to say yes but it makes for a great show!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Chelsae Murphy.

Battlefield

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With exactly one month left until the 34th annual GCC Fashion Show, titled “Fata Morgana,” one could say the fashion majors have been stricken with anxiety, excitement, and disturbing amounts of caffeine. We no longer understand the meaning of sleep and those relaxing midday talks with our friends over lunch are but a distant memory.

I am no survivor of this epidemic. As a solo scene coordinator for the opening scene I have a lot riding on my shoulders. On top of planning memorable choreography and being a member of the Back of House committee, I am also designing and producing ten unique outfits to send down the runway. The stress level is intense and sleep deprivation has already ensued. Though it is easy to focus on the negatives, the positive vibes heavily outweigh my inhibitions. I’ve known since I was eight years old that I wanted to spend my life as a fashion designer and nothing has changed my mind thus far.

20150322_011838My scene’s title is “Battlefield,” and is motivated by life’s obstacles and the strong women who overcome them. Whether it was illness, the loss of a loved one, or a break up, everyone has conquered something, making them a warrior in life’s battlefield. Much of the artistic inspiration came from personal photographs taken in the Arms and Armory department of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was taken back by the intricacy and attention to detail in each and every piece. Aesthetically, my pieces are very simple and I don’t accessorize, as to not take away from my art. This contradicts the very things that attracted me to my inspiration, but I see it as taking the best parts of my muse and making them mine. Each outfit has a gold piece to symbolize the daily armor we all wear as protection from pain, loss, and vulnerability. I truly believe that I am more than a fashion designer, I am an artist and everything I do should have meaning behind it.

I’ve never been more proud of myself than with the work I’ve done so far in the fashion program. Tears of relief, happiness, and nostalgia will follow my last model off the runway as I step onto it myself to thank all of those who have supported me. What a fantastic way to end my last year at Genesee Community College.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Design Student Amber Coan.

A Stylish Arrival

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A few days ago, a large box arrived on the premises of GCC. This box was sent from the Buffalo David Bitton Showrooms in
NYC. Inside were a variety of clothing items from the Buffalo David Bitton Spring line. Due to the GCC fashion program’s
close relationship to Buffalo David Bitton, and more specifically, PR Director Diane Alexander, we have had the privilege to use new items from the Buffalo David Bitton in three of our fashion shows. From “Fashion Forward”, “Ethereal”, and now “Fata Morgana.”

FullSizeRender (15) 2This year the Buffalo David Bitton line will be featured in a music festival themed scene entitled “Festival Haze” which is being produced by Kylie Dunn and I. “Festival Haze” will embrace the best styles of Coachella and modernized free-spirit trends, and feature items from Buffalo David Bitton and Lord & Taylor. We would like to give continued thanks to Diane Alexander, and everyone at Buffalo David Bitton for continuing the tradition of featuring their product line on our runway, and everyone else involved in assisting in the production of our scene. We can’t wait to show all of you what “Festival Haze” and “Fata Morgana” have to offer!

-Ami Cornell