This year the VCU Senior Fashion Design Student Show didn’t miss a stitch. The event titled “We Sew Cool” was held outdoors at the Maymont Nature Center, and the serene setting and crisp white tent proved to be a perfect backdrop to showcase some really amazing work. We got there just in time to grab a glass of wine and any empty seat we could find.
The show displayed the talents of twenty-five senior design students and ranged from Guro Lolita to sophisticated chic. We couldn’t help but notice some unanticipated but much appreciated trends throughout the pieces presented. The runway this year was flooded with bold colors paired with neutrals, as well as metallic garments, bold stripes, block coloring, and polka dots. Sheer fabrics were layered over solids in watery blue and green “peacockish” hues. Oversized furs and knit textures, high detailed necklines, and intensely oversized collars swallowed up models whole. Loose drape shoulders, crisp cropped jackets, vests and capes, menswear for women and androgynous pieces added a splash of class. Floral prints graced models in ultra short shorts and mini dresses, “onesies”, belted high waists. Pockets, ruffles, puffs, pleats, leather, zippers, and safety pins were all used as accents to complete ensembles. And to top it all off various appliquéd and feathered headbands and headpieces bobbed down the runway.
We had a chance to ask some of the designers what inspired their lines, and were again surprised by the eclectic array of responses. After learning that inspirations ranged from electro and hip hop music to Hungary’s impact on popular culture more specifically, Budapest’s folk art, peasant costume, and military and revolutionary uniform, the pieces we saw made perfect sense. Many were also made from organic and recycled fabrics; sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly options definitely took a front seat. Others were simply inspired to design for the everyday active woman, and experimented with diversity through color, texture, shape, and the manipulation of fabric.
Overall the show was a great success and, good news, we learned that many of the designers plan on staying in Richmond and are hoping to start lines or already have. If “We Sew Cool” is any indicator of the future of fashion in Richmond say goodbye to ready-to-wear and hello haute couture.
For more information on the designers and photos from the show go to the We Sew Cool blog.
