Pure creativity. I remember my art teacher encouraging me to think out side the box, draw outside the lines. And consider “new” colors for everyday items…
My favorite topic to draw when I was five years old was the sky; Pink clouds in a green sky was a common theme, but often it would go more “unique” than that. [thanks mom and dad for the experimental art classes for toddlers you enrolled me in through the university...]
We choked up. And my NY fashion bestie had tears that rolled at the end of one of the most creative shows we have both seen in a long time, The Pratt Institute’s 114th annual designer showcase featuring 17 designers was a wonderful reminder how creative we can be.
The mission of Pratt Institute, that has the oldest fashion program in the country, is to “Educate Artists and Creative Professionals to be responsible contributors to society.” This past week as I have mused about the impact these student will make, as well as, the mission of Pratt, I can’t help be inspired to think about the ultimate responsibility as a designer/artist is to be as creative as possible. In fact, our purpose can be seen to push ourselves to creative limits. Our “responsibility”? Stay true to your creative voice.
By Honoring of Thom Browne with the 2013 Pratt Fashion Visionary Award from Vogue’s International Editor at Large, Hamish Bowles, the New York Designer, along with past Pratt Fashion Visionary Award winners, can be seen as the prime example of some one who stayed true to his inner creative voice. He had a vision and a perspective. Stuck with it. And, viola! Fashion Icon.
I was impressed with most of the students work and loved the attention to detail each of them had from shoes to accessories. There were obvious trends that the students were paying attention to that I loved; Fabrics that seemed hand painted, soft nude colors accented with all shades of orange, architectural influences and cultural traditions laced with fantasy shapes and a bit of gender bending. A great show of great creativity and fabulous workmanship for a student show…but it is Pratt after all. Watch it here:
Since I was taking photos with my new Samsung Galaxy (umm, learning curve), I don’t have the best shots for the show, but it was well produced and over all so enjoyable. I have been invited to this show for several years, but this was my first time attending. There is no doubt that I am going to try my best not to miss it from here on out. And yes, that is Bill Cunningham in my shots. We sat by him and that just made our night complete. (Hope that quick shot he took of us surfaces) RL
Photo Credits: RL
