MECAmorphosis 2018

I’m a fan of fashion shows. I’ve attended every show Maine College of Art’s Textile and Fashion Design Program has produced, including drawing and blogging about shows in 2013 HERE, 2014 HERE, 2015 HERE, 2016 HERE, and 2017 HERE!

The runway sparks my interests in figurative drawing, reportage, and fashion illustration. MECA’s event takes a village of staff, students, volunteers, and sponsors to pull off. Bravo to all and especially to new Chair of TFD, Alysha Kupferer. This year’s Sixth MECAmorphosis was marvelous!

My colleague, Chair of Illustration, Mary Anne Lloyd, and I snagged the best seats we’ve ever had, this time at the early show.

Bei Capelli did spectacular hair and make-up.

What a thrill when an illustration major rocks the runway! Here is Ellie Cania, drawn in my sketchbook the next day.

Her classmate, Jenna Zammett, modeled a glamorous dress designed by Michaella Casey.

And I had to capture my island neighbor, Linda, in this adorable dual number by Allysun West.

Allysun’s line is titled Lyf Lit, and features healing energies emanating from natural fibers, along with purifying plants.

Besides the lovely combinations of wool and linen, the garments were poetry in motion.

I met this model, Brendon, in Foundation Reviews just days earlier. He gave this look by Briana Fusco a sexy swirl.

A Maine fashion show does outer wear proud. So MANY groovy jackets and coats! This one by Jordan Carey.

Some subtle dying on another by Jordan, my sketch doesn’t do it justice.

I loved all the coats and capes by junior TFD major Kirsten Elfie. With vintage suitcase accessories, and bedecked stockings, the models were the cast in an imaginary film to stylish destinations.

The entire line by junior Zoe Schuttler was beyond fun. Plus furry style.

There was some glam shimmer, too.

And tapestry! This is by Jackiellen Bonney, from her line Nocturne, inspired by the work of James Whistler.

I sketched another piece of hers that features re-purposed denim like skittering waves.

I adore the Americana Kitchen line by Erin Gamache, inspired by the 70’s and her grandparents’ kitchen. And they were in attendance, getting an eyeful of her bellbottoms and gingham chiffon. Completely original in it’s juxtaposition of sheer layers and denim, I loved every piece, but drew these pants. Because.

I could go on for days, drawing this magic by MECA students. Go see the BFA thesis exhibit, Flourish, where garments from Textile and Fashion Design are on display along with impressive work by 100 senior students, from Illustration, Ceramics, Animation & Game Art, Graphic Design, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Woodworking & Furniture Design.

Commencement is this Saturday and the Flourish will be up through May 18. Don’t miss it!