Leading into Fashion Week, MC College hosted their New Designer Showcase for the Class of 2018 on September 13 at the Aviation Museum. This is an annual show produced by the College, in which students of the one-year Fashion Design program present their final collections. This year`s show was the biggest and best yet in every way! It featured collections by 16 new and 1 alumni designer, a reception with bar service by Chvrch of John, and vendor booths setup around the hangar which made for a cool atmosphere to mingle, meet the students and shop their products.
It`s also fantastic experience for the incoming class of design students, who spend show day helping out with setup, fittings and backstage duties. Typically a 14-hour day, all hands have to be on deck to get everything done! Everyone starts at 9 am with their fittings, as this is the first time students try their clothes on the actual models who will wear them later that evening. Once that`s done, more MC students move in for the next few hours to do the models hair and makeup. Meanwhile the design students make any last-minute alterations and help with backstage setup. The Instructors and college staff set up the room, backstage area with irons & steamers … each of the 16 collections has to be organized on a rolling rack, in walking order to be worn by the right models. Then a dress rehearsal starting about 3 pm will take a couple of hours to work out all the kinks. Just leaves enough time to get the vendors set up around the hangar before the reception starts. Change clothes, greet some guests, and … it`s show time!
The evening was very special for another reason too. This year MC College is celebrating a milestone, 30 years since they launched their Fashion Design program. Together co-founders Frank Cairo (then Marvel College) and Marcy Hett built a professional, industry-standard program with a reputation for well trained graduates who went on to excel in the industry. Her name graces the door of the classroom I walk through every workday. It was a really proud moment for me to have her attend the show, and see the creativity and hard work displayed by this group of young designers.
Also a huge thank-you to all the industry people, friends, and family of both the designers and college staff who supported us. You helped to make the evening great!
-Behind the Scenes with Marni Walker-
MC College celebrates 2018 New Designer Showcase & 30 years of Fashion