Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts to present 77th Annual Fashion Design Show at Saint Louis Galleria May 7

The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis will present The 77th Annual Fashion Design Show at Saint Louis Galleria Sunday, May 7.

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The fully choreographed, Paris-style extravaganza will feature more than 50 professional and volunteer models wearing close to 130 outfits created by six seniors and 19 juniors from the school’s fashion design program.

Festivities begin with a reception at 7:30 p.m. in the Galleria’s Garden Court, near the entrance to Lord & Taylor. The hour-long show starts at 8 p.m., followed by a dessert reception for the designers and audience, during which many of the featured couture creations will be available for purchase.

General admission is $50, $25 for students. Tickets are available through the Edison Theatre Box Office, (314) 935-6543, and at the Galleria Concierge Service Center. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. For more information, call the 24-hour fashion show hotline at (314) 935-9090.

Broadway-style revue

Jeigh Singleton, head of the fashion design program, compared the show to a Broadway-style revue, filled with lights, music, drama and glamorous costumes.

“This is a unique event for St. Louis,” Singleton says. “It’s more design-oriented than sales oriented. It’s not a trunk show, it’s not a benefit show, though it does benefit the fashion design program. We want people to be entertained.”

All clothing is selected by a jury of university faculty and local design professionals. This year’s line-up will include opera coats paired with black gowns; skirts inspired by wine and grapes; sportswear inspired by Americana; dress groups inspired by “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves”; and suits on the theme of “Blazers’ Edge.”

“The secret to these projects is that each is associated with a specific learning experience,” Singleton explains. “Each year we may take a different slant or inspiration, but students are mastering very particular skills. How do you cut fabric, how do you make a pattern or a waistband, how do you line a garment or make a silhouette?

“People have this notion of creativity as doing whatever you want, but they’re wrong. Creativity is really about doing what you want while still meeting the technical requirements of the project.”

The show also highlights the seniors’ signature collections, each a fully coordinated clothing line tailored to a specific audience and based on a specific theme. This year’s signature collections will include suits by John Watts; cocktail dresses by Rachel Lwin; lingerie by Natalie Antin; young men’s sportswear by Andrea Forest; and contemporary sportswear by Sarah August and Jessica Nitchman.

“Up to this point students have had a lot of assignments, but the signature collections are different,” Singleton adds. “They have to come up with everything — the inspiration, the designs, the fabrics, the deadlines — and I’m always shocked and amazed by what they’ve learned. This is when they really get to experience what fashion design is all about.”

Organizers and Co-sponsors

The Fashion Design Show is chaired by alumna Susan Block (BFA’76) and coordinated by Jane Kairuz.

This marks the show’s twelfth appearance at Saint Louis Galleria. For the 14th year, the models’ hair will by done by Dominic Bertani of the Dominic Michael Salon. Other organizers include Michael O’Keefe of Technical Productions and Gretchen Hafferkamp of Premiere Rentals. The models’ makeup will be done by MAC.

Outstanding student designers receive a variety of scholarships, cash prizes and awards. The Dominic Michael Silver Scissors Designer of the Year Award is presented to one outstanding senior at the end of the evening. Block sponsors the Silver Ripper Award, presented to one outstanding junior. Kairuz sponsors the Coordinator’s Choice for Most Inspiring Designer, which can go to either a junior or senior.

Last year, approximately 500 people attended the event, raising about $50,000.

Fashion Design at Washington University

The Fashion Design Show dates back to 1929, when Irving L. Sorger — merchandise manager for Kline’s, a tony St. Louis department store — organized a show of student work for local garment manufacturers. Eight dresses were selected for production, sales surpassed all expectations, and juniors’ fashions became a staple of the city’s burgeoning garment industry.

In 1941, Washington University became home to what is believed to be the nation’s first four-year, degree-granting fashion program. Alumni over the years have included major designers such as Paula Varsalona and Carolyn Roehm. Recent graduates have worked for major fashion houses and clothing retailers, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Nanette Lepore, Lilly Pulitzer, Nike, Lands’ End and Fitigues.