HIGH SCHOOL OF FASHION INDUSTRIES STUDENT SHOW

The High School of Fashion Industries opened its doors to a cocktail reception, along with their annual fashion show presented to industry professionals and the press.

Prior to the show, I had the opportunity to chat with a graduating senior whom is an aspiring fashion designer and was modeling for the show representing an evening wear design by fellow classmate Isabela Bravo.

Ms. Bravo has been artistic since her middle school years, always with a sketch pad. She majors in Design and Construction and featured a collection of 14 garments in the show. She is inspired by different genres of music that allow her to visualize colors, textiles and the movement of the body. She is a Gold Thimble award winner and has been accepted to Parsons School of Design.

The school honored and presented an award to Macy’s Group Vice President, Fashion Director and Global Forecaster Nicole Fischelis for her work in the world of fashion and her dedication to the students at HSFI for the past two years. The award was presented by Rosemarie Bravo, former chief executive of Burberry. Ms. Fischelis projected her passion and charm in her acceptance speech, quoting Martin Luther King. “Everybody can be great…. because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love!”

Opening the show was an array of career wear tailored looks consisting of jackets, skirts and separates, draped avant garde pieces for the chic downtown woman, with impeccable construction. Metallic leathers, faux animal furs jackets and vests. Outerwear with asymmetric rain coats stood out in bright colors and a copper metallic, accessorized by umbrellas, as the girls were flirty with the audience.

Updated overalls and rompers in denims with textured leather like materials for girls and guys were fresh and new for street wear. Swimsuits with 50’s styling in bright colors and prints are stylish and wearable as well. The lingerie collection is rich and tasteful with beaded touches in their bed jackets exuding femininity.

The cocktail dresses were voluminous with flounces and rich laces. Evening dresses with iridescent mermaid shapes, trimmed with feathers, architectural bodice drapes, peplums and very shapely accentuating curves. Non- traditional takes on bridal dresses for a confident and daring bride.

Closing the show was a surprise with a mini capsule of superhero costumes showing the strength and versatility that these students are capable of creating.

The HSFI Runway Show was very focused, cohesive and surpassed all and every expectation I had!

-Adriana V. Martinez