After seeing the fashion student designers’ work featured at California College of the Arts (CCA) Annual Fashion Show for 4 years, I genuinely feel that CCA has the knack of showing what being a student designer is all about. Their creativity, personality, and their craftsmanship shine clearly on that runway. It’s not always perfect or generally relevant or commercial, but being experimental and creative are the two things student designers need to take advantage of while they are still students, and CCA fashion students never fail to do that year after year. The fashion program, which is famous for its emphasis on sustainability, once again showcased the graduating students’ creative work on CCA 2014 Fashion Show on May 16, 2014 at 1111 8th Street.
It was windy when we arrived just like last year, however this time the big tent (in which the fashion show was held) was located at the back lot of the building (a welcomed move). And once again, the “normal” runway path was back (no more T-shaped runway – my last year’s wish was granted!). After quickly checking out the models getting their hair and makeup done backstage, we went straight to the tent, watching it quickly filled out as it’s quickly approaching 7pm. Shortly after 7pm, CCA President Stephen Beal greeted the crowd, followed by remarks from Program Chair Amy Williams. She reiterated the important connection of education, industry, and community in order to propel the students forward in their career, and I couldn’t agree more. Paul Dillinger, Head of Global Product Innovation of Levi Strauss & Co also took some time to give his remarks, and shortly afterwards, it’s time for the CCA fashion students’ work to take center stage. No Fashioning Functional Gear segment this time, only 19 mini-collections of CCA 2014 fashion student designers!
Just like what I did with my AAU post last week, I created a list and anchor links below so you can browse the students’ work more easily. Instead of scrolling down endlessly, you have the option of using the “Back to List of CCA 2014 Student Designers” link at the end of each student designer’s feature to go back up to the list and pick another designer whose work you’d like to see. As always, many thanks to Christian Hadidjaja for the photos.
MK Nguyen
Theme: Skeletal
It’s the first collection out of the gate, and it’s also one of my Top 3 collection of the night. The theme “Skeletal” was driven from “skeletal and translucent dried seedpods” and the garments were beautiful to look at as each models went down the runway. The visual effect of bubbly silhouettes combined with linen or knitwear texture was ethereal and breath-taking.
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Lily Lei
Theme: A Psychotic Cycle
One thing that Lei wanted to convey in this collection was that the silhouette constantly evolves until the body is no longer identifiable. Did it? Perhaps…I’m not sure. But I know for sure that I liked the 3rd look the most.
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Sam Howell
Theme: The Attic
Howell’s collection celebrated “women who never stop dressing up”, and I really like the garments going down the runway. They are vintage and hip; the silhouettes, colors, and textures were simply a delight to look at.
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Samantha McDermott-Goldie
Theme: Adaptation
The colors chosen for this collection were fresh and energizing. Moreover, I like the gathering string details for each garments.
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Jeff Pacis
Theme: M
At a first glance, Pacis’ collection seemed a bit boring. However, looking past the minimal silhouette and focusing more on the details made me appreciate more of what went into the design and construction of these garments. The piping treatments on the 2nd look were perhaps the most visible “details”, but there were many subtle yet meaningful design considerations put into this collection.
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Shanny Delong
Theme: Inner Dimension
The 3D shapes incorporated into this collection made it visually interesting overall, but the 1st look’s hooded vest was the clear standout for me.
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Laurel Hellman
Theme: Pretty Polly
Two looks coming down the runway at once…and that’s it? I liked the gingham pants and dress, but I was expecting a bit more, I guess.
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Michelle Nam
Theme: Keeper
Another one of my Top 3 favorites of the night. Nam’s collection has the delightful layering effect that was executed well on all of her three looks. And pockets! I love pockets (even if it’s only for visual detail and not for functional purpose). [shashin type=”photo” id=”13528,13529,13530,13531,13532″ size=”xlarge” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]
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Tasleem Lee
Theme: Splendid
1950s nostalgia was present in small effective doses in Lee’s collection, which combined black-and-white stripe fabric, green graphic print, purple, and light green polka-dot colors. I did not know those colors blend so well together, so great job, Lee!
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Ali Gold
Theme: Antidote
I liked the minimalistic yet bold approach to this collection. The first outfit was the best of the bunch, and the small rectangular(?) cut-outs of the skirt layers were interesting to look at.
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Jun Yin
Theme: Under The Armor
The folds and volumes of these garments were awesome, but the one element that elevated the collection was the wide-brim hats. All of a sudden, the already-strong collection had that “badass chic” hue, and I imagined the models secretly getting ready to draw their concealed guns to take out each other on the runway.
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Jasmine Smith
Theme: Cascade
Smith displayed a great use of fresh color palette for casual wear…and I’m such a sucker for a good wide-leg jumpsuit!
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Shan Zhang
Theme: Juxtaposition
Zhang attempted “to embody the exoticism of ascetic Zen, and novels based in the Chinese Thang Dynasty”. The collection was conceptual, packed a strong visual punch, and slightly mysterious that I almost wanted to linger my sight on them just a little bit longer…
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Sarah Mayer
Theme: Apsara
I like the use of Cambodian ikat silk fabric in this collection, their sheen is luxurious. However, I feel the pieces reminded me too much of fancy aprons. [shashin type=”photo” id=”13559,13560,13561,13562,13563″ size=”xlarge” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]
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Lichelle-Anne Gonzales
Theme: Kumihimo
Silk and wool, when combined together in a thoughtful way, can look so divine and appealing. My gosh, I love this collection and I can definitely imagine many people wanting to own and wear them right away! And yes, Gonzales’ collection completed my Top 3 favorites.
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Dagmar Spichale Krynski
Theme: Here Comes The Fun
Seeing this collection immediately made me wish I can blink and suddenly appear in Hawai’i, Bali, or Thailand. This is indeed a fun outfits to have for summer vacation (preferably near beaches in a tropical country).
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Sindia Lin
Theme: Realm Of Dreams
The kids who stole the show. And how could they not? They’re adorable, the clothes they wore were cute, and those plushies…I want that red giant squid plushie right now! The audience fawned, smiled, took pictures, smiled, and giggled some more. [shashin type=”photo” id=”13574,13575,13576,13577,13578″ size=”xlarge” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]
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Erick Lopez
Theme: Modified
Lopez won the 7×7 Emerging Designer Award (presented by Cheryl Locke) with this collection. It’s athletic, it’s exaggerated, it has streetwear cred and attitude, and perhaps most importantly, it’s consistent. Well done, a head-turning collection indeed!
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Shirley Chong
Theme: Fish Abyss
A conceptual collection that showed a model eating chips while walking down the runway? Yes, please! That little piece of action provided the right amount of amusement and laughter the audience needed. “That was awesome!” shouted a random guy. But entertainment aside, the shapes, silhouettes, and colors of Chong’s collection were delightedly playful and creative, not to mention well-done. [shashin type=”photo” id=”13587,13588,13589,13590,13591,13592″ size=”xlarge” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]
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And that’s a wrap! Congratulations for all the California College of the Arts 2014 Annual Fashion Show student designers; it must be a great feeling to present your work on the runway and officially graduate on the following day! And many thanks to the production team for job well done. I guess violent windy weather year after year is no match for you guys. Thank you for reading, Musank Photos by Christian Hadidjaja
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