On Wednesday, March 15, 2017, Canvas Event Space hosted the Art Institute of Seattle 2017 Fashion Show, Aeon Neue Fashion. The evening included two shows, the first at 5 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. I attended the 5 p.m. show along with fellow blogger, Monique Francisca of Mon-Chic Style.
Aeon Neue Fashion is the 19th annual fashion show produced by students of The Art Institute of Seattle (AIS). Featuring the work of fashion design students, Aeon Neue Fashion showcased the fashion trends of 2017: fashion from the street. Every aspect of the production, lighting, set design, marketing and promotion, guest services, public relations and runway collections was created from concept to execution by students of the college.
The money raised from the show was given back as scholarships to benefit the Crescent Moon Foundation. The Crescent Moon Foundation was founded by former Seattle Seahawks and NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback, Warren Moon. The Foundation is dedicated to providing support for educational pursuits that will benefit children most in need who have displayed a commitment to their community. This was their second year working with the Foundation.
Aeon Neue Fashion Media Director and AIS student, Mika VanFossen greeted Monique and I took us to our seats. I was lucky enough to be standing behind her family while we were in line, and her doting grandfather could not be more proud of her and all that she has accomplished. Mika was incredibly helpful and explained how the show was going to work. Nine judges would critique the student’s designs during the 5 p.m. show with the winner being announced during the 8 p.m. show.
AIS Professor, Scott Carnz, acted as the show’s M/C and welcomed guests. He defined that an “aeon neue” girl is one who is trendy, fierce and strong, who forges her way through the streets. He also introduced the evening’s judges:
Allison Becker: PRADA at The Bravern
David Blackham: David Lawrence, Inc.
Theresa Olson: Sewn Goods
Rebekah Lewis: Effortless Image Consulting
Margo Jones: Personal Stylist
Gustavo Apiti: Gustavo Apiti Couture
Mary-Bridget Pehl: MB Finds
Danielle Ackerly: Canopy Blue
Rosanne Esposito-Ross: Expeditors Intl of WA, Inc.
The mesmerizing show began and I fell in love with so many of the designs. As the models strutted the runway, I kept forgetting that I was at a student fashion show. The pieces were absolutely incredible and I was wishing for a Ready-to-Wear collection because I would have purchased them right off the runway!! From casual to everyday office to formal evening wear, the AIS students all created pieces that were both showstoppers and wearable.
Austin Crider
Barbara Willock
Cassie Yuan
Erin Chen
Kelsey Kogane
Larisa Datskaya
Luna Yusuf
Megan Dhuyvetter
Nita Widasari
Thao Doan
Kevin Shu
Rossana Venturini
Shawna Bennett
Yesika Hermawan
In the end, Mika VanFossen, Lex Bair, Victoria Lehman, Katelyn Bear, Laurie Lynch and Steffi Pheng were awarded the Entrepreneurial Leadership award for their efforts in marketing, producing and coordinating the successful show.
Austin Crider was awarded most editorial collection, Kevin Shu received most marketable collection, Maria Rossana Venturini recieved Designer of the year, Shawna Fitzpatrick received up and coming designer and (Katie) Thao Doan and Barbara Willock won best runway look.
I very much look forward to next year’s Aeon Neue show – the students from AIS are truly top notch in their field of interest!
