Runway Report: Grade “A” Fashion Debuts at New York Fashion Week

By Claudia Paolinelli

“There needs to be a very clear sense of fashion and a distinct point of view.” ~ Simon Ungless, Director, School of Fashion Academy of Art University

New York – Friday marked the sixth year that Academy of Art University graduate students featured their collections at New York Fashion Week. Six students debuted their collections along with a collaborative of seven students who presented The Italian Trade Commission Collection. Each collection sashayed down the runway to fluid music with three designers standing out amongst the chosen few.

Dipti Irla, born and raised in India, looked no further for inspiration than her own Indian culture during its influence of British culture in the colonial period. Jackets, pants, and blouses crafted from vintage brocade Indian Sarees mirrored a glitzy 1970’s vibe perfectly accentuated with circular, John Lennon-esque sunglasses.

Native Californian, David Doerr presented a collection emulating the adventures of Soviet cosmonauts. Using Ultrex and cotton wick-away piqué, his semi-sheer tops and board-short running suits gave an advantage to the wearer to keep cool while remaining protected from other intense elements.

With a similar concept, Sun Young Youn juxtaposed beauty and function in her raincoats and suits combining lace and vinyl while playing with straight lines and geometric shapes from modern architecture.