Fashion Show Plans Bloom

Larrison Hall was transformed into The Ivory Theater as Brookdale’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program debuted its first-ever Fall Fashion Showcase, inspired by the iconic productions Swan Lake and The Phantom of the Opera. The immersive event drew more than 150 guests and featured the work of 21 student designers, marking a major milestone for the program.

The showcase highlighted original designs, portfolios, and visual displays in a fully reimagined space. Guests were welcomed with a professionally designed program that included display descriptions, designer bios, models, and student coordinators. Catering from Nonna’s and Jersey Mike’s, along with baked goods prepared by Brookdale Culinary Arts students and fashion students, ensured attendees were treated to a warm and festive welcome. Guests also enjoyed a photo opportunity with theatrical masks created by students, adding to the event’s operatic atmosphere.

The planning and execution of the showcase was a semester-long effort led by students in the FASH 212 Visual Merchandising and FASH 224 Fashion Case Studies courses, with support from the Fashion Club. The upstairs café and classrooms were completely transformed for the event, while the sewing room became a behind-the-scenes hub for hair, makeup, and wardrobe.

Throughout the space, guests explored visual display cases created by visual merchandising students, watched a behind-the-scenes video documenting the planning and build-out of the event, and viewed student design portfolios showcasing both hand sketching and computer-aided design skills. Students from the Historic Costume class created custom fashion magazines for the evening and designed a window display inspired by the historical aesthetics of The Phantom of the Opera and Swan Lake. A Sustainability course contributed to a dedicated display highlighting sustainable fashion brands and their environmental initiatives.

The centerpiece of the showcase was the showroom, where live models presented original looks created by the student designers. Half of the garments were constructed by students in FASH 131; the program’s introductory sewing course, many of whom had begun sewing for the first time this semester, making their completed garments an impressive achievement.

Attention to detail extended through the final moments of the evening. As guests departed, they received wax-sealed envelopes containing thank-you notes written “by the Phantom,” along with student business cards and show tickets, reinforcing the theatrical theme.

Every spring semester, students who are part of the fashion programs at Brookdale come together to create the annual fashion show. This allows for students to showcase their looks made throughout the term, and with many collaborative efforts, the show comes together.

Last year’s theme was Eras of Art. Pieces inspired by various periods of art history were displayed for students, staff and local community members to view.

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Fashion Club President Anastasia “Ana” Kanopka. She is a 20-year-old fashion design and merchandising student from Howell, finishing her last semester at Brookdale.

Kanopka said this year’s theme is called Melomania, “which is the excessive passion or great enthusiasm for music or melody.” The designers this year are showcasing their looks inspired by songs, genres, albums or certain artists.

“The entire event is organized by Fashion Club,” she said noting that the club meeets during college hour on Tuesdays in LAH 208.

“Students are in charge of marketing and social media work for the event, hair and makeup, decor, photography and many other parts of the show,” she said.

The show will take place 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, in the Navesink Rooms in the Student Life Center.

Kanopka, who said being club president has been a highlight of her time at Brookdale, will be aking advantage of Brookdale and LIM’s partnership and will be studying visual studies and fashion styling in the city next fall.

She credits her success this semester to the help of fashion club Vice President Hannah Post and treasurer Danielle Turner. She also shouts out fashion department professors Dr. Annemarie Hughs and Professor Sheridan O’Hea for “working non stop to make this night special for us.”

For students, staff and community members interested in the spring fashion show, tickets will be available for purchase prior to the show and at the door. All of the proceeds will go to the fashion club. Do not forget, the fashion show is set to take place at 5:30 Tuesday May 5th in the Navesink Room in the Student Life center here on campus.

Check out the article here!

https://bcccurrent.com/7240/features/fashion-show-plans-bloom/