CDC Students in the Mix at Orpheum
California Design College students delivered a bold presentation on May 20 in the school’s 15th annual Fashion Show Gala. The entertaining evening event was held at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
The Orpheum’s classic Baroque backdrop sometimes contrasted with the neo-Gothic, retro and punkish designs that CDC student designers offered. The students were asked to create fashion interpretations of music genres of their choice, and the results ranged from Courtney Dickins’ “Purple Haze” collection, featuring funky velvet suits with ruffle shirts and sheer fabrics, to Stephanie Uy’s more ethereal “Hunters Luxe” collection, which was made up of “Gretel” capes with big tree-limb prints and checkered “lumber jackets.”
Other standouts included Lorraine Calzada’s 1940s-era dresses and Christina Delion’s “Prosthetics” designs, which were decorated with boxy headwear. Izzy McKenna Ostrom’s “Pop Trash” collection featured techno-punk graphic prints, short shorts and mile-high platform boots.
The judges were industry professionals Gina Sanchez of Lectra, Natasha Dyer of Antik Denim, designer Danny Choi and Rosa Gonzales of sewing supply superstore Vecchiarelli Bros. of Los Angeles. They chose Tawicha Knapp’s “Native Couture” collection of earthy native Americana-inspired ready-to-wear for Best of Show. Antoinette Love Ransom’s body-skimming nylon/Lycra dresses, influenced by the British underground club scene, was selected as most creative, while Richard Berrueta’s tribal and tropical themes were considered most marketable.
The winners received dress forms and cash prizes from Vecchiarelli Bros. —Robert McAllister
