Fashion Show

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

minuit désert

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The Genesee Community College 34th annual fashion show is something special to me. This is the third time that I’ve participated in the GCC fashion show as a fashion student. In January 2013, I came to GCC from Japan to study fashion business.

My first year I had the opportunity to be a model for Candace Cooper’s scene. In my second year, I worked as a dresser for Abby Wilcox and Quintessa Wallace’s scene. During those two years, I learned that a fashion show consists of more than the flawless runway that attracts so many people. You can never imagine what the backstage is like unless you are there. And now, this year, I have the opportunity to work as a coordinator for designer Tiffany Hill. Our scene is called “minuit désert” which means midnight desert in French. I am very excited about doing this as my final project for my fashion course because this is what I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was in Japan.

Happily, Tiffany trusted my judgements and decisions in finding models, a makeup artist, and a jewelry company. which was easier than I thought.

Na’kaylas Jewelry Box www.nakaylasjewelrybox.com

Na’kaylas Jewelry Box http://www.nakaylasjewelrybox.com

New to the GCC fashion show this year is Na’kaylas Jewelry Box. This jewelry company is run by an amazing woman, Mishay Linthecome, who recently started her own business. As an employee, Mishay has used ambition and dedication to help other businesses build success and popularity. She soon realized that she could implement those same skills to her own company to help build success and popularity of her own. Out with the old, in with the new came to the New Year and in January of 2015 Mishay launched her very own jewelry company. The name of the company was inspired by her daughter. I cannot wait to present this collaboration with Na’kaylas Jewelry Box and T. Lashaé!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Chiho Nakayama.

Model Behavior

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The 34th Annual Fashion Show at Genesee Community College is called “Fata Morgana”. For my part in the fashion show, I am working back of the house, as well as modeling in Ami Cornell and Kylie Dunn’s scene titled “Festival Haze”. As part of my back stage duties, I am responsible for helping dress the models and memorizing the order of the scenes, as well as cleaning up the back stage and dressing room area and keeping everyone back stage silent during the show. As for my role as a model, I will be featured in the scene “Festival Haze”, which was inspired by summer festivals, such as “Coachella”. I am extremely excited to not only have been asked to model but to also have the opportunity to participate both behind the scenes and on stage. I am excited to get to see all of the different viewpoints of the show, on the stage and off.

I feel that this is a very important experience that I can use, as I pursue a career in fashion. This experience will be something that I can use on my resume and gives me insight on different aspects of the fashion world. I have modeled previously for still photography, and now I have the opportunity to gain experience in backstage production and what is involved, as well as being a model on the runway. I hope that with this experience I will become more confident and use what I will learn in the future to come.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Morgan Ripley.

Bare

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Its that time of year again! That’s right, the GCC 34th annual fashion show is right around the corner. I had the privilege of interning, and modeling for Alaina Shannon in her scene “Americana” in the 2014 GCC fashion show, Ethereal. I was able to get a taste of what it takes to participate in a fashion show. This year I am able to showcase my own fashion design skills. My scene is called “Bare by Jocelyn Eade”. Myself and my scene coordinator, Eunice GoEun Park, are excited to show what we’ve been working so hard on this year. I am grateful to have the opportunity to experience what it takes to produce a scene in a fashion show.

My main inspiration were colors we see in nature; the color palette is lavender, beige, black, and white. I grew up in the small town of Olean, New York which is just south of GCC. Growing up surrounded by nature has inspired me to put that into my clothing. For the Lavender pieces I was inspired by lavender fields, I love how peaceful they look. The beige pieces reminded me of fur, very soft and effortless. My black pieces were influenced by storms, a very sultry look. For my last color white, I was inspired by clouds. I want the audience to feel the inspiration when they see my clothes on the runway. Whether it’s the peaceful lavender, or light and airy clouds I want them to feel like they’re with nature. I’m looking forward to showcasing my designs in GCC’s fashion show “Fata Morgana” and to experience what it is like to be a designer in the fashion industry.

yoo.jpgThis blog was contributed by Fashion Design Student Jocelyn Eade.