The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts will present The 78th Annual Fashion Design Show at Saint Louis Galleria May 6.
The fully choreographed, Paris-style extravaganza will feature more than 50 professional and volunteer models wearing more than 150 outfits created by 19 seniors and 12 juniors from the school’s Fashion Design program.
Festivities begin with a reception at 7 p.m. in the Galleria’s Garden Court. The hour-long show starts at 7:30 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.
“This is the biggest class we’ve ever had,” said Jeigh Singleton, who is celebrating his 20th year as director of the Fashion Design program. He attributes the growth to a variety of factors, including what he dubbed “the ‘Project Runway’ syndrome,” in reference to a popular TV show.
“Today, there’s a lot of attention given to the design process,” Singleton said. “It’s not just about the pretty girl in the pretty dress in the pretty catalog — it’s about what actually happens in the design studio. It’s about making choices and learning which variables you can and cannot control. I think students get hooked when they discover the logic behind the techniques.
“In a way, fashion epitomizes the creative process,” he added. “In a matter of hours, you go from idea to something concrete. That’s sustaining and interesting and makes you want to do it again and again and again.”
Singleton compares the annual Fashion Design Show to a Broadway-style revue, complete with lights, music, drama and glamorous costumes.
“Fashion is a form of entertainment as well as an artistic expression,” Singleton said. “It has a kind of mystique. Designers need to be able to strike certain chords — to shock, to amuse and to provoke.”
A jury of University faculty and local design professionals selected the outfits in the show. This year’s lineup includes dress groups on the theme “Ladies and Gentlemen” as well as ball gowns inspired by Christian Dior. The show also will highlight 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 range from cocktail dresses and sportswear to menswear and lingerie.
As in past years, the show will conclude with a single student-designed wedding gown, chosen by competition. This year’s juror was alumna Emily Hornstein (BFA ’02), who returned to campus last fall as a guest lecturer in the annual Fashion Futures Workshop. The winning gown by senior Yehua Yang was inspired by the intricate shapes of undersea coral and is constructed of silk douppioni and tulle.
The Fashion Design Show is chaired by alumna Susan Block (BFA ’76) and coordinated by Jane Kairuz, who organizes fashion events throughout the area.
This marks the show’s 13th appearance at Saint Louis Galleria. For the 15th 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 for the Fashion Design program.
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 works for local garment manufacturers. Eight dresses were selected for production, sales surpassed expectations and juniors fashions became a staple of the city’s burgeoning garment industry.
In 1941, the 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 Carolyne 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, Badgley Mischka and Prada.
Tickets are $65 and are available through the Edison Theatre Box Office at 935-6543 and at the Galleria Concierge Service Center. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Student tickets are $35 and are available only through Edison Theatre.
For more information, call the 24-hour hotline at 935-9090.