Amid flashing cameras and an overall impressive production, San Francisco State University senior design students recently showcased final collections during a spring fashion show called Defined. Held in the SF Design Center in early May, the show drew friends, family and press to view the 22 collections shown. Read on to find out which designers stood out and who won The Designer’s Choice Awards for 2012:
Careful construction and great execution shows in Monavie Tutop's voluminous dress.
Bold prints and excellent styling from designer Pearl Regalado
Associate Professor and Student Mentor Connie Ulasewicz helps Fashion Network Association President Stephanie Starr present scholarship awards to senior design students.
The show commenced with a welcome by SFSU’s Fashion Network Association. Previous organizers bestowed their blessings and new organizers welcomed the show’s guest collaborator, Goodwill Industries. Noting the popularity of thrift store finds, some students upcycled designs from Goodwill donations and used donated accessories with their creations.
In general, students stayed up-to-date with current trends and used natural elements found in nature (water, minerals, flora, fauna, etc.) to inspire their final looks. Designers Sultana Lodin and Monavie Tutop stood out by choosing textures and prints based on travel experiences and their urban environment.
While many eye-catching garments went down the runway, only two student designers took home Choice awards. Regan Heath’s “Twig” collection was awarded “Most Marketable,” while design duo Angela Wolverton and Jonathan Cheung of Love Force won “Most Unique.”
Menswear was prevalent throughout the show, but Regan Heath's male model made her garments stand out.
Show-stopping children walking in Regan Heath's romantic "Twig" collection.
Brilliant on stage, this flowing ombre fabric added to the feeling and energy of designer Monavie Tutop's African-inspired dress.
Designer Angela Woverton (one half of Love Force) salutes the audience, furthering the Love Force inspiration that "The end may be near, but the garment cycle lives on."
Model exudes attitude & energy in one of Love Force's military-inspired looks. Seventy percent of their collection was sourced from Goodwill donations.
Designer Alexandra Ogburm used a variety of fabrics to create a very wearable and colorful collection that relied on a modern use of traditional prints.
Designer Rebecca Cahua presented a nostalgic line of ready-to-wear dresses.
Whimsical and created to emulate the movement of a butterfly, this dress by designer Sultana Lodin was one of the standout garments on the runway.
Nature as a theme was clear in this creative display of crafted skirts, dresses and outerwear from designer Dormisha Ellison.
Photography by Jenny Villarete
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