Eva's Runway Ready Weekend

Above: Eva makes final alterations to her dress, modeled by senior, Laura Furlong, the night before her critique. 

Having switched majors as a junior, this is Eva's first Runway Ready Weekend. Eva will have two pieces in the show, her freshman men's wear shirt as well as the Fair Trade cotton dress she hand died for her sophomore design class. Her sophomore dress was a much more intricate project, requiring many hours in the design lab with the "world's best TA," Grace Buckley! 

Above: Laura has modeled in the Silver Needle Fashion Show for several years and was actually selected to grace the cover of the 25th Annual Silver Needle Look Book.

The morning of Runway Ready the hallway typically teaming with science students was transformed into a fashion mecca, with the Fashion Show Production Team, models, designers, and dressers scurrying about in a chaotic yet almost choreographed manner. Models and designers lined the walls of Donnelly Hall, each waiting for their garment number to be called for their critique. 

Below: Eva chats with her model as she anxiously awaits her 8 a.m. critique. She entered the lecture hall confidently and exited with a smile as both garments received positive feedback from the panel. 

"I actually created my button down [men's wear shirt in the fall," Eva explained, "I was expecting them to be kind of hard on me but they said they could see how much I've grown in just a semester based on these two pieces which makes me really happy!"

Though freshman and sophomores do not create a collection for the show, Eva's garments were two completely separate assignments that she used to created two cohesive looks that will act as a basis for future design endeavors. Though the next two years will be difficult, Eva is excited for the challenge.

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! 

Laura's Runway Ready Weekend

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Runway Ready Weekend, Laura tirelessly works to perfect the garments that are about to be critiqued by Fashion Program faculty. Thus far Laura has completed six looks, and will be expected to explain the inspiration and construction of each one in front of a panel of Fashion Program Faculty. The panel painstakingly examines each student's garments and offers constructive criticism and guidance to designers.

Laura's collection plays with different hues of grey as well as different fabrics which she manipulates into various garments that should be staples in any powerful woman's wardrobe. From high waisted trousers to jumpsuits, Laura sought to create pieces that were unique yet classic in inspiration.

Laura's Jubilee Jumpsuit will walk down the runway in the grey cotton fabric above, as well as in the metallic black material below. 

Runway Ready Weekend is an important time for seniors because it give them an opportunity to perfect their collection before their runway debut. Just as Communications majors submit "rough drafts" of final papers, design majors must have their semester's work reviewed to make sure everything has come together properly. Senior collections are part of design majors portfolios so it is important that seniors put forth their best efforts to impress prospective employers.

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.  

Finishing Touches

Twelve hours ago, Sara and I, armed with our Digital SLRs and official Silver Needle press passes, hurried to our seats amidst the crowd of fashionistas, men and women alike.  The hushed and excited voices of the Silver Needle Production team swirled around us.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats."  

Twelve hours and nearly 800 pictures later, the two of us are tirelessly editing, assembling, and piecing together the best of The 25 Annual Silver Needle Fashion Show and Awards. 

Stay Tuned!

Before we do, here's a sneak peak of freshman designer Forrest Simms putting the finishing touches on his innovative and unique garment that was seen by all last night.

(And if you're really anxious to see some of the action from last night, check out The Poughkeepsie Journal's photo gallery and article covering the show!)

Outerwear 101: Laura Shell Explains her 1940's Inspired Jacket

As Runway Ready Weekend begins, seniors are not only required to have their entire collections completed and ready to walk, but they must also have their outwear garment and Jubilee pieces finished. Fortunately Laura has planned her time well this semester and she has had her jacket made in fabric for weeks. The jacket's 1940's flair coincide with her collection's elegant vintage inspiration. Lucky for Laura, her jacket fits her as well as her model !

Working with Muslin: Eva Pieces Together her Dress

Eva's sophomore design project is based around the usage of fair trade fabric.  Her design for her garment consists of a trapezoid silhouette, combined with her Moving Through Water inspiration.  Eva is going to hand-dye the cotton sateen fabric she has ordered to illustrate her inspiration in her garment.

Through the use of an asymmetrical neckline and a 3D-like drop hole in the left side of the bodice, the sophomore designer is applying what she is learning in her apparel classes to create movement and detail in the construction of the garment.  

The fabrics that are available for the sophomores to use  are shown here.  Eva's out-of-the-box approach regarding this project portrays her unique sense of design and style.

As Eva works towards completing the garment in its final fabric, she must first construct the garment in muslin, fit it to her model, and adjust the seaming and patterns accordingly.  Below is a video clip where Eva describes how she is making preparations to create her final dress in fabric by first working with the muslin.