Showcase Turns Miami Fashion Institute Graduates Into Runway Design Stars
Techno and electronic music thumped from the speakers as suavely dressed models strutted down the runway at the Miami Fashion Institute’s third annual Graduate Show.
The event, held on June 11 at the Chapman Center at Wolfson Campus after a two-year hiatus because of COVID, showcased the work of 15 students from the associate in science fashion design program.
Yas Gonzalez, a Miami Dade College alumna and international designer, also showcased her capsule collection titled ONYX.
“It was a work of love, sweat, blood and tears,” said Leonardo De Armas, an MFI adjunct professor that teaches pattern making levels two and three, clothing construction and co-teaches creative design with adjunct professor Julian Asion. “So it was very satisfying to see the final work on the runway worn by professional models [with] lighting, production and music. It’s a dream come true for all of them.”
Twenty-eight students, who graduated from MFI in April, had their collections critiqued by five industry professionals, including MFI professor Prisca Milliance and Paquita Parodi who owns the Parodi Costume Collection Museum, as they vied to have their work featured at the show.
Each student made between 15 to 20 sketches during winter break and worked on a four-piece ensemble during their creative design course in the spring. They were encouraged to use their national origin as inspiration for their color palettes.
The garments, meant to be worn for distinct occasions such as parties, weddings or cocktails, served as the students’ last step before graduation.
One of the students who displayed his work at the show was Fernando Martinez, who emigrated from Nicaragua to Miami seven years ago.
His collection titled “Coming Up Far Out the Seams” was elegant, voluminous and accented by a black and gold palette.
Perhaps the flashiest outfit featured a gold corset and a black silk jacket that highlighted ruffled wings on the arms, giving the model who was wearing the outfit the illusion that she was about to take flight.
The garb was accessorized with fishnet stockings, bangle bracelets, a gaudy gold chain and a yellow Macaw bird emblazoned on the back.
Martinez, who said the bird represents his migration to Miami, was ecstatic about the opportunity to unveil his creativity at the gala.
“A lot of times we don’t feel inspired enough, good enough or talented enough,” Martinez said. “Activities like the fashion show give us the tools to reassure ourselves that we’re on the right path.”
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