runway MECA

Maine College of Art’s second fashion show rocked the runway in early May. Introducing the Collection of it’s new program, Textile and Fashion Design, Department chair Anne Emlein and suave MC Paul Lewandowski, Assistant Adjunct Professor, glowed with pride.  My daughter and I loved the show last year (I wrote about the inaugural show here) yet this year’s event was even better, with all student-made work from freshmen to seniors. The broad range of materials, moods, and model shapes was a complete thrill.

I sketched a few afterwards, like this silkscreened tunic by Allie Bonin, ’16.

Wild accessories here, with hand printed leather and a handmade silver pendant by Garrett Radcliff, ’16.

My favorite skirt ever, Folded Wool by Meg Hudson, ’17.

Another gorgeous thing by Meg, felted cozy chic:

This model owned the runway in a design called “Renny” by Nicole Waller ’17:

Ariana Faria ’17 had a hit with her “Cupcake Dress” fashioned from countless cupcake liners:

MECA’s own Heather Driscoll from the Joanne Waxman Library dolled up “Farm Dress” by Nicole Waller ’17.

And our new director of Continuing Studies, Courtney Cook, showed off glamor galore in a printed linen skirt by Josh Clark ’17.

Illustration student, Katie Ackley ’15, modeled a “starfish gown” by Allie Bonin ’16, which I HAD to draw!

There’s fierce fiber fun happening, too. Loved this knit sweater by Emily Koerner ’16.

A wool roving knit scarf on hand made needles by Kate Harnden ’15 made the audience swoon.

Machine knit gore here, also by Kate Harnden.

First graduating major, Rose Allard ’14, brought down the house with her commencement collection: Finnwear: Sisu Coats, inspired by her Finnish grandmother. This one features a machine knit lining and a Bates Mills bedspread.

Love the worn vinyl in her “Kitchen Coat” that could easily head out to sea on a lobster boat:

Bravo, T&FD! MECA’s got style to burn. I’m eager to see this fantastic department grow. All through the year, students display work in the halls but only a runway production can really show the creative endeavors that combine material and body motion.

Before the After Party, Katie showed off her make-up by Empire Beauty School. Magical! She’s already signed up for a T&FD course in surface design, where she’ll continue her illustrative pattern-making. Her adorable designs are here.

You can see the whole show here. (Note: the runway action begins at 18:12, after many announcements…) Enjoy!