Hola Estrellitas!, back in June of this year while I was in New York for FFFWeek, I was one of 5 judges who had the difficult task of choosing the 9 Art Institutes students that were going to be showing their S/S 2017 collections during New York Fashion Week.

Let’s just say that it was very difficult because the students were all so talented, I wish we could have them all at the show but that was just not possible. Every year the show has a different theme and this year’s theme was “Destinations”. The designers had to create a collection inspired by their favorite destination, I mean , how cool is that!!.The participating designers were:

Designer #1: Adrian Escoto (Graduate, AAS Fashion Design program, The Art Institute of New York City) – Denim patchwork sportswear that is equal part street and uptown and is quintessentially New York through and through.

Designer Adrian Escoto from the Art Institutes of New York showcased his denim patchwork collection during NYFW 2016

 Designer #2: Bianca Zidik (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2016, The Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago) – Looks straight from Carnaby Street in London circa 1960 with a funky nod to Mr. Austin Powers himself… Groovy, baby!

Designer #3: Melody Hernandez (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2016, The Art Institute of Vancouver)- Modern sportswear that is both easy and wearable, but elevated by unexpected mixes of fabrics, prints, & design details. 

Designer #4: Julissa Arrington  (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2015, The Art Institute of Dallas)- An avant-garde collection inspired by a journey of self-discovery through an unraveled mind. 

Designer #5: Devon Pezzano (Graduate, BS Fashion Design program, 2016, The Art Institute of Philadelphia) – Deceptively heavy silhouettes juxtaposed against light airy fabrics meant to evoke the concept of levitation.

Designer #6: Mimmy Begazo (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2016, Miami International University of Art & Design) – A collection that explores the future and the technology used to help block radiation from our bodies.

Designer #7: René Mejia (Fashion Design AAS student, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale) – Eduardo Degas and his magnificent ballerina paintings inspired this collection of evening wear that is edgy and androgynous yet soft and feminine.

Designer #8: Esther Ashiru (Graduate, BFA Fashion Design program, 2016, The Art Institute of Vancouver)- A castle in Dublin, Ireland inspired this collection of opulent evening wear that evokes feelings of couture.

Designer #9: Maria D’Ocon (Fashion Design BFA Student, Miami International University of Art & Design)– The cultural richness & diversity of Spanish art inspired this elegant bridal collection.

What you guys don’t see in these pictures is all of the hard work that they put into this, the construction how amazing it was, their mood boards, etc…It really is a labor of love and I have nothing but respect for all of them. I was so honored to be a part of the team who selected these talented designers, I am huge supporter of the Arts especially fashion and it was very inspiring to see their collections first hand. I wish all of them nothing but the best in their careers and I hope that someday, I can shop their collections.

Congratulations to all of them and if you are reading this …Don’t give up!! I’m rooting for you.

Live , Love & Inspire
Farrah
XOXO

Today I had the opportunity to go to the Art Institute of New York and help them choose the 9 students that are going to be showing their designs during NYFW in September. 5 judges including myself, had the task to narrow it down to 9 students from 42. It was a lot of fun but also difficult because the students are so talented. I think we made some great choices and I can’t wait to see the sketches & mood boards come to live on the runway in September, it’s gonna be an amazing show. Thank you AI for the invite, it was a pleasure and an honor to be a part of this experience #estrellafashionreport #artinstitutes #AI #nyfw

A photo posted by Estrella Fashion Report (@estrellafashionreport) on Jun 16, 2016 at 9:34pm PDT