[Images via Zimbio.com]
The Show: ELLE Fashion Next Runway Show and Design Awards
The Theme: Emerging FIT designers inspired by New York City
The Color Palette: White, structured silhouettes, pale blues, lavender, and neutral tones.
Best/Collection’s Signature Standout Look: With a medley of geometric tailored hemlines, sheer bodices, chunky knits, and mixed materials, it’s clear that the students of FIT are “still at a point in their lives when it’s just about the ideas – the inspiration,” as Elle Editor-in-Chief, Robbie Myers, puts it.
Then perhaps it was only fitting to select ‘New York City’ as a first-time theme for the Fashion Next awards. Hosted by ELLE and Maybelline, the third annual show was judged by a panel of fashion’s elite – including Alexa Chung, Chrissy Teigen, Christina Ricci, Erin Wasson, Brad Goreski, Joe Zee, and Anne Slowey. With direction from FIT’s George Simonton and Joanne Arbuckle, 18 students interpreted the city through unique designs.
From Helen Castillio’s intricately beaded gowns and Kieran Dallison’s vibrant floral prints and pleats to Rosa Ng’s ombre and ruffled knits, there was an air of individuality present. The Maybelline grant of $25,000 was awarded to Jongsuk Park for his harem looks, complete with ruched leather jackets. And Tae Kyung Kim took the $25,000 grand prize from ELLE. Her multi-fabric shift dress with leather sleeves and sheer overlay translated the very essence of New York, with a subtle graphic pattern that conjures up images of cityscapes.
While the spring forecasts a palette largely of black and white, the final walk confirmed that New York will always be a place of infinite color.
–Sarah Wasilak
