Silver Needle Fashion Show : Grace Buckley

Grace's collection for the Silver Needle Fashion Show was based off of her inspiration and design portfolio, Motorcycle Chanel.  Grace's three looks consist of classic pieces mixed with a bit of grunge attitude.  

Her first look, worn by model Alyssa DeMarco, featured a leather jacket, a loose fitting sheer black and white patterned top, and cropped black pants.  The shoes worn by the model bring out the edginess in her first design.  

Grace's second design fit perfectly to her model.  She created a cut out leather bustier-like top that features an exposed zipper in the back.  The pants are classic tweed, but Grace changed the whole aesthetic of the look by adding a leather and chain accent to the waist of the pants.

Her final look was a traditional LBD with a twist.  Grace covered the dress in loose threading that accentuates the model's figure as well as bringing movement and something unique to the look she's created.  

Last, but certainly not least, Grace was honored at the evening show for the work she did with Marykate and Ashley Olsen at a previous internship.  She also received an award for her work in design! Grace, always being humble, doesn't say too much about her experiences with the Olsens, other than, "It was definitely an eye-opening experience." 

Grace's Runway Ready Weekend

Just days before Runway Ready Weekend, Grace spends a few hours in the design lab finishing the construction of her little black dress, one of six garments showcased in the Junior segment of the show. Grace's biker chic collection has come together well but she is still "super nervous" for her garments to be critiqued by Fashion Program faculty. Her collection consists of the black cocktail dress (above), the leather crop top and wool pants (below), as well as a chiffon top paired with black pants and a fierce foe crocodile trimmed biker jacket (macro shot far below).

Grace's critique took place later than expected on Saturday, as the Fashion Show Production class was running 'fashionably late' after a busy morning shift. Her Chanel inspired collection was well received by all professors on the panel. All six garments were well constructed and fit models almost perfectly. 

Grace's models, Jaclyn Vosburg, Alyssa DeMarco, and Jessica Arabia (from left right) pose for a quick photo after their garments were deemed 'runway ready' by the Fashion Program panel. Because the Silver Needle is a completely student produced event, the gorgeous models are Marist students as well. Juniors Jaclyn and Jessica are models for Laura Shell's collection as well so be sure to check back for future feature posts regarding these lovely ladies! 

Runway Ready Weekend

Runway Ready is the all-encompassing weekend where all fashion designers, freshman through senior alike, come together to present their final designs to a panel of Marist's fashion professionals (including Radley Cramer, Director of the Fashion Department).  It occurs the weekend prior to the Silver Needle Fashion Show, with the 2011 show celebrating the Jubilee anniversary of the fashion department at Marist College!

Models, designers, staff, and students were dressed to impress and on their game at 8 a.m., coffees in hand. The academic building that houses the fashion department was transformed into a fashion lover's dream.  Designers buzzed about, adjusting their freshly completed work on the models who tower above many of them.  The side entryway to the building was now a set for a functional photo shoot, recording the models with their look number which will be used as the lineup for the show.

Racks of clothing, bright lights and camera flashes, along with bins of shoes and accessories surrounded me.  As I got acquainted with my surroundings and said hello to my designers, I quickly eased into the fabulous vibe I was getting from those around me.  And it was exciting!

Running into fellow friends, including model Ben Gove, sophomore designer Eva Block, and model/Chic Fox Andrew Ludington as they wait to enter the presentation room.  

Upon spotting Grace amongst the other designers, she quickly whipped out these bad-ass shoes that will accompany her Motorcycle Chanel themed Iconic collection.  (Don't worry more of Grace to come soon!)

A hurried moment where Laura Shell's outerwear garment is brought to life on her model.  

Moving through Water: Eva's Inspiration

Eva's collection is inspired by relaxing days spent on the beach and the free flowing beauty of water. The color and movement of the fabric she has selected is crucial in executing the collection as Eva envisions. 

To mimic the unpredictability of water Eva has chosen a light weight cotton fabric that will move well on the runway.

Random cut outs, drop holes, and pockets exemplify Eva's outside the box design style.

As a sophomore, Eva's garments are being made in Fair Trade fabrics from India, Tanzania, China and Guatemala. Eva has hand died her fabric to accentuate her free flowing garments.

design.tools

All garments are first sketched on paper, then on Adobe Illustrator, then on pattern paper, and finally begin to be created in muslin. Eva's collection features loose fitting dresses with intricate drop holes and pockets.

Motorcycles meet Chanel: Grace's Inspiration

Grace's mood board is inspired by her love for classic Chanel glamour paired with a 'bad girl' flair. Motorcycles, grommets, and leather meet Coco inspired silhouettes, pearls and tweed in this cutting edge collection.

As a junior, Grace will have three looks making their way down the runway this May. The garments above, high wasted pants and a racer back top, are currently being completed in muslin and will be created in leather by April 5.

In true Chanel fashion, textured wools and tweeds are used throughout the collection. These classic fabrics combined with sheer black material and leather give the collection an element of elegance while still radiating a 'rough-around-the-edges,' rock star style.

Meet our junior fashion designer, Grace Buckley!

As if life wasn’t hectic enough creating three pieces for this years fashion show, Grace is also a teaching assistant in the Marist Fashion Department.

Age: 20
Hometown: Rockport, Maine
Favorite Colors: Pink and Green
“But when I'm designing it tends to be more neutrals and black, I LOVE BLACK!”
Favorite designer: Diane Von Furstenberg and Christian Siriano
Why did you choose Marist for fashion?
I chose Marist because I wanted to go to a school with a fashion design program, but I also wanted a school with a campus, as opposed to just a building in the middle of the city. I like that Marist is a combination of the two, and it is still close enough to the city that it isn’t difficult to travel back and forth.
What are your essentials for a day in the lab?
Definitely my iPod and snacks, but also comfortable clothing and coffee to keep me up!