The 25th Annual Silver Needle Fashion Show and Awards

The 25th Annual Jubilee Silver Needle Fashion Show was held on May 5, 2010 at the Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.  Sara and I, press passes in hand, documented the highlights and subtleties that embodied the highly anticipated Jubilee Anniversary fashion show.

Here, senior fashion design majors anxiously wait to see the end result that is the product of five months worth of work.

Luckily enough, we gained backstage access and were able to witness the process of turning a group of young college women into supermodels.  Above, model and friend Katherine Bilsky is having her makeup touched up by the MAC makeup artists.  Below, a makeup artist works with another model to achieve the desired look.  

Once the models were finished with hair and makeup, they relocated to the dressing rooms to change into their garments.  At this point, Sara and I realized that we were part of something bigger, not just a college-run fashion show. 

Fair trade garment designed by sophomore Gabrielle Iorio 

Stylists and dressers, along with their designers, rushed to assemble the looks and make sure every pin, button, and buckle were in place.  Although I'm 5'7 and was wearing heels, models towered over me, walking about, getting into the lineup.  I realized this was what I had been waiting for all semester; the peak of all the work we have been doing throughout the semester.  Fashion designers, models, staff, and attendees could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air, and we were ready for it.  

The garments were displayed in order from freshman to senior, with a knitwear segment in the middle.  Above, established Silver Needle model AD Diaz struts down the runway with some major attitude and flair.  The crowd went wild.  Later, Katherine Bilsky showcases a senior's garment flawlessly and with class. 

During the knitwear segment, which is available for students to take as an elective, Senior Fashion Merchandising major Kate Zagami debuted her first piece in the Silver Needle.  Her garment is on trend and versatile, as I was able to try it on before the show! The model pulled off the garment effortlessly, pairing it with a comfortable pair of rust-colored shorts and wedges.  Congratulations to Kate and her merchandising team who were honored at the show for their work on their capping project!

Katherine Bilsky and Laura Furlong display garments that were part of Senior Madeline Sasso's winning collection.   Bilsky and Furlong have been modeling for the Silver Needle for many years now, and their experience in working the runway is apparent.  For more on our designers and to see their final looks in the Silver Needle, check back later today!