Twelve second-year students in the Career & Technical Institute’s Fashion Design & Merchandising program showcased magnificent outfits they designed using recycled materials during the third annual “Beyond the Front Row” fashion expo on May 6, which featured some unique additions this year.
Mariah Charles, Sabrina Cheung, Caitlin Klay, Mia Lee, Ella MacIssac, Angelique Pintado, Shaniqua Roberts, Rihanna Taylor and Audrey Zengen each presented two designs, while Ashley Lewis, Alondra Vasquez Garcia and Shandrela Williams provided three that were modeled by fellow students and most of the aspiring designers themselves.
First-year fashion students, including Grace Haddad, modeled outfits they designed following the main show. Haddad noted that this was a last-minute addition to the expo and it taught her class that unplanned situations will arise in the workplace and they must handle it professionally, which they did brilliantly.
“I was freaking out … even if you’re doing runway, you have to really focus and put your attention on doing the poses and showing off the outfit,” Haddad recalled. “It felt nice and natural and I always love performance of it.”
Haddad’s outfit consisted of a labyrinth print dress and matching long coat inspired by outfits worn at this year’s Met Gala. She appreciates the freedom she has to express herself through her work and the camaraderie with her classmates. While it will be nerve-racking, Haddad is excited and already preparing to design four outfits for next year’s show. “I’m really excited for that,” Haddad said. “There’s no end to the style, that’s what I love about this class because you really have the opportunity to do whatever you want.”
Instead of a recorded playlist of songs, live music was provided free of charge by Emilio Guarino and DJ LesTok, who coordinated what they played to the outfits students wore. “You’re reacting to what’s happening in the moment … you’re performing and there’s an audience you’re responding to, as well as the people presenting their work,” Guarino explained. “It’s very much a two-way dialogue.”
Roberts presented two outfits, with one taking inspiration from grand party dresses and the other from streetwear, both worn by models. Roberts modeled an outfit for her friend Williams. She felt great modeling someone else’s work and seeing her designs on the runway.
“I had all the emotions, but at the end of the day, I work hard and I’m going to show the world what I got,” Roberts said. “I get to present who I am as a person through the clothes I wear and my emotions come through.”
Berkeley College Fashion Department’s Lead Faculty, Andrea Kennedy, who has over 30 years of experience, praised Roberts and her classmates for their ambitious efforts and creativity in turning used clothing into something totally new.
“That just tells me that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do and I have to continue doing that,” Roberts said of Kennedy’s praise.
Kennedy noted that opportunities in the fashion industry are endless and include everything from product development to re-designing outfits, adding that CTI students are ready for it. “Keep at it, keep creating, keep experimenting, keep believing in yourself and keep getting up and showing up and not giving up,” Kennedy said. “I can’t wait to see where you’re all going.”