Photo by Laurel Marcus
Holding a fashion show outdoors this time of year takes bravery or a bit of craziness. Fortunately, HSFI’s students and faculty are fearless, as Mother Nature was rather unpredictable.
Ruben Toledo, Hilda Nieto, Robert di Mauro, photo by Laurel Marcus
Wednesday night was the 100th Anniversary Student Fashion Show fundraiser for the graduating senior class. The event, featuring student work in design, modeling, styling, and choreography, was held for the third year at Gansevoort Plaza.
“As HSFI celebrates its 100th anniversary, we’re proud to once again welcome this inspiring event to the Meatpacking District, a neighborhood where fashion, culture, and innovation come together every day,” – Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director of the Meatpacking BID.
The evening honored Principal Daryl Blank with the Legacy Award and Sharifa Murdock, Kith’s Chief Impact Officer, with the Visionary Award. “For a century, HSFI has discovered talent, nurtured creativity, and shaped futures.
Stormy weather and strange lights above? Photo by Laurel Marcus
Tonight’s fashion show in the iconic Meatpacking District celebrates the students, alumni, and educators who build this extraordinary legacy – and the next generation who will carry it forward,” said Principal Blank.
Daryl Blank, photo by Frank Rocco
Murdock said, “Being recognized by an institution devoted to fostering creativity, building skills, and celebrating individuality for a century means more than words can explain.” She spoke about the value of mentoring, but the thunder interrupted.
More looks. photo by Laurel Marcus
After the cocktail reception at Serafina, the main event began as clouds rolled in, bringing an end to a hot, humid week. The decorative canvas swag bags, illustrated by HSFI senior Lyxander Espinal, included a student-painted paper fan and an HSFI umbrella for unprepared guests.
The parade continues. Photo by Laurel Marcus
And yes, just as the first drops landed, the students set sail down the runway in all kinds of eclectic, interesting looks. All ends of the fashion spectrum were represented, from Little Mermaid to Anime or K-Pop, from Goth to Grunge to Gangsta, from Victorian to futuristic, from polka dots to plaid, from flowy chiffon to structured satin, and a few nods to Met Gala-esque avant-garde looks.
Platform heels, wet cobblestones, and rain made me cringe, but I saw only a few stumbles—no spills or faceplants. The rain gave the event a mystical feel that benefited the students. They didn’t mind their designs getting wet, even after debuting them earlier in-house for faculty and students.
I would love to learn more about the process, as they work with industry mentors throughout the year, who provide feedback and critiques to help guide the final designs and presentations.
Photo by Laurel Marcus
Notable attendees and supporters of HSFI included famed fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo – a previous HSFI honoree; the fashion model Carol Alt, who collaborated with the students on a repurposing project; and former principal (2002 to 2010) Hilda Nieto, who still shares a very special bond with HSFI.
Carol Alt, Robert di Mauro, photo by Laurel Marcus
And of course, all around fashion guru/long-time HSFI board member Robert DiMauro (there’s even a design studio named after him and his alumni father), without whom none of this would be possible. Di Mauro’s cousin Ilene Shaw also attended – she is the Executive Director of the NYCxDESIGN festival, which just wrapped on Tuesday.
There was lots of whooping and hollering as the students and some faculty, including Principal Blank, made their way down the dripping-wet runway. It was all reminiscent of a “Project Runway” meets “America’s Next Top Model” challenge—making a rainy catwalk your own — and all passed with flying colors!
