Nicole Breslin
On Thursday, March 2nd, two Thomas Jefferson University fashion design students represented the university for the Next-Up Student Design Competition as part of Philly Fashion Week. For this competition, fashion design students from five local colleges and universities created new, upcycled looks using garments and deadstock provided by FABSCRAP. Visiting FABSCRAP’s South Philly showroom, students shopped recycled materials all saved from fashion cutting-room floors. Students had only a few short weeks to sketch their looks, source materials, and construct their garments for this runway competition, which was attended by a sizable gathering of industry professionals, journalists, and photographers.
Representing Thomas Jefferson University were seniors Dwayne Smith and Joanna Sheller. Dwayne’s look included a formfitting, red satin-spandex flared jumpsuit and matching red balaclava. He also deconstructed a bomber jacket found at FABSCRAP and used the foundation to create a dramatically exaggerated draped jacket. For Joanna’s look, different black lace scraps were patchworked together to create a “re-roll” fabric for the top. Also featured was a petti-coat style underskirt and an overskirt, which featured dramatic pleat details from deconstructed pant legs.
Designs from all of the competing schools walked the runway inside the Philadelphia Fashion District, where industry guests and audience members voted for their favorite looks. Joanna Sheller was voted as the audience “Fan Favorite” for her look and was awarded $500 and an industry mentorship with Paper Magazine editorial editor Mickey Boardman. Congratulations to both Joanna and Dwayne for their runway debuts at Philly Fashion Week!
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