Hot Male Models & Eco-Chic Designers—All at the University of Delaware Fashion Week

Tonight the Fashion Merchandising Club led by Rita Chang will kick off the first-ever-on-campus Fashion Week at...

...the University of Delaware!

What, what?!

You got it!

These young style-conscious students at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies are gearing up for a 6-day series of exciting events, ranging from an eco-chic student designer competition to a sizzling-hot male model lionwalk! Woo hoo, go YoUDee!

This evening, 11 students will present their own collections at the student designer competition, which they have rightfully named “Reconstructed.” The faculty at UDel is known for its emphasis on sustainability and eco-wear, so each garment of the 15 outfits presented tonight will qualify only if they are—in some way—remade, redesigned, or reconstructed from preexisting garments.

Tomorrow a BBC documentary entitled "The Secret World of Haute Couture" will be shown on campus, while the entire University will experience its first "clothing swap" on Wednesday. Any clothes that are not claimed by the end of the day will be donated to Project H.O.M.E., a nonprofit organization that helps homeless men, women, and children in Philadelphia.

Thursday will see local merchants spread out allover the North Green on campus, selling their merchandise to students and visitors alike. Men’s Fashion by Francesco has been invited to present DARK CODE, a trendy young men’s line of streetwear imported directly from Italy! On Friday, students will be selling their own apparel, accessories, jewelry on campus.

The Fashion Week will conclude with steamy Swagger Like a UD Man—and believe me, more than just the models will be swaggering! Twelve of the sexiest young men on campus will be modeling casual, formal—and yes!—swim wear, all on loan from Macy’s. But! YoUDee chicks are not just interested in good looks. The final prize will be given to the guy who can swagger around their questions!

Photo public domain at Wikipedia.

Still Sleepless in Seattle! Seattle Fashion Week Ends on a High

Seattle Fashion “Week” may actually be a misnomer. I prefer calling it “Seattle Fashion Quarter,” which began this year with student designer casting on January 19-23 and model casting calls on February 5, followed by a kickoff party on February 28, a networking party on March 19, a student designer competition and industry networking party on March 26, a downtown model takeover on April 3, and finally the official showcase this weekend April 15-18!

Seattle Fashion Week defines itself as "a series of entertaining and high-energy events designed to propel fashion designers to the forefront of the national fashion spotlight. The events attract 1,000 attendees each year."

In March I covered the Student Designer Competition in several articles, in which I interviewed four of the top five finalists. I have provided links to the articles below. Although all five finalists demonstrated vibrant talent, first prize went to Becky Sullivan—an impeccable seamstress and “perfectionist,” in her own words—who featured a cohesive, wearable collection of women's wear at the competition.

I spoke to Becky two weeks ago, who, still overwhelmed by the excitement, was working around the clock, sewing and piecing together a complete collection of 10 dressy, "well-coordinated but miss-matched" outfits to present on the catwalk this weekend.

Undoubtedly Becky had never imagined that she would go to Seattle Fashion Week, but by following her heart and her passion she now knows she “did the right thing.” As for the next step, although she describes the economy as somewhat depressing, Becky is more than confident that she will land something as she continues to “let fate take its course.”

Stay tuned for additional articles this week on the menswear designers that attended Seattle Fashion Week.

Previous articles on Seattle Fashion Week:
Seattle Fashion Week - Student Designers Competition
Seattle Student Designer Competition: Lennura Zhataganova
Seattle Student Designer Competition: Rebecca Lynn Sullivan
Seattle Student Designer Competition: Lauren Hendrie
Seattle Student Designer Competition: Yomary Muñoz

Photos Complimentary of Becky Sullivan.

Seattle Student Designer Competition: Yomary Muñoz

Nice to meet you, Yomary. So, where are you from?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico.

Now that you live in Seattle, how does your Puerto Rico play a role in your life as a designer?
I come from a country that is rich in culture. The Puerto Rican race is a mix of races—African, Spanish and native Indians known as “Tainos"—and in the past decades we have been highly influenced by the American culture. They have become part of our race and culture as well. All of these influences, the knowledge, and education I have acquired in my life make me a designer that can understand the needs of most consumers.

Fascinating! So how did you get started?
I always felt passionate about the fashion world. I loved how people look, wearing different styles and accessories that make them look unique. When I was growing up, I started to learn what kind of colors and styles look better, depending on the color of the skin and body shape. This was when I became interested in the fashion world. I started to design styles for my sisters, cousins, friends, and for myself. I always try to create a unique style for each person, taking in consideration their personality and physical features in order to achieve that “wow factor” that makes them stand out from the crowd.

You said that you began designing while growing up...what ignited such an early spark?
I began to design when I was 12 years old. I always wanted to know if I had the same artistic ability that my father had. So I started to draw many things including human bodies. Then I started to combine my artistic side with my passion—fashion design. I started to play with different body shapes, then, tried different styles on them until I felt satisfied with the final product.

Do you derive inspiration from any specific source?
My inspirations come from different sources: people, life styles, nature, history, technology, etc. The world, life, and the way we live all inspire me.

How do you interpret these into clothing?

I take elements or ideas from the sources I mentioned above to create the themes. I pick one or a combination of those themes as my muse. Then styles and ideas start to flow spontaneously!!!

It definitely seems like you inherited the artistic ability of your father! Do you have a designer icon?
I don’t have a favorite designer, but I like the work of many fashion designers, such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Donatella Versace, and Valentino.

Any favorite looks or trends in history that attract you?

My favorite look is one that has a touch of elegance and sensuality. The period in history that attracts me is the Regency Era. I like it for its dresses and the different trends worn during this period of time. The Regency era was, in my personal opinion, a time of elegance and beauty.

I like that combo of elegance and sensuality. What difference do you see in formal training vs impromptu designing?
I’ve always designed and creates outfits on my own and learning from my family. However recently I started taking classes in the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) in Seattle, WA. During these years of study, I have acquired knowledge and skills in pattern drafting, clothing construction, fashion sketching, fashion design, textiles, etc.

So how will you apply your technical background as a designer?
As a designer and engineer I plan to contribute to the apparel industry and to the technological advance in the fashion world. I consider myself as a big dreamer with a lot of creativity, skills and knowledge that will make me able to satisfy many of the fashion needs. With all my experience and education I want to make a difference in the fashion world.

I always like to ask designers about green fashion...
I think it is a niche in the fashion industry that many designers have been conscious about for the last few years. Green fashion, ethical fashion, or eco-fashion is a movement supported by environmentalism, and economics, among others. Personally I am glad that many designers and companies are making a big effort to create and produce products, taking into consideration their impact on our planet.

As someone who originates from a different culture, how do you view Seattle's fashion scene?
Seattle's fashion scene is influenced by many cultures. The values and ideas of the populations are diverse and make it difficult to categorize. Seattle fashion designers are creative and innovative, and this makes it one of the most socially conscientious fashion communities. Seattle is recognized for the green designer movement, and it was the first to host the first Green Fashion Week on the West Coast in 2007. Other eco-conscious fashion shows in Seattle are the Eco Lavish Fashion Show and the Fashion Ethic "Eco Chic" Show.

You are pretty knowledgeable of the green scene! Okay, how about some final words to your co-student designers at Manhattan's LIM College and other institutes around the world?
I would tell them my favorite saying, "the best friend of success is perseverance and education, and its enemy is ignorance and procrastination." Every person in this life has dreams and unique talents to reach their goals, so just find them and go for them.

Seattle Student Designer Competition: Lauren Hendrie

Tell me, Lauren, where are you from?
I am originally from Salem, Oregon, where I lived until I was 18.

How early on did your sense a spark for fashion and design?
I’ve always loved the creative process behind design. Design of any kind, whether it be drawing, painting, or apparel design. I first started painting when I was 9. About the same time, I started making felt clothing for my dolls. I have always been interested in taking a risk when it comes to my sense of fashion and several years ago I started translating that from the way I dressed myself into the way I design clothing.

Brava! I like risk-takers! So when did you actually come up with a full-fledged design?
I first started actually designing about a year and a half ago. I realized I had found a way to combine my passion for creating things with my more analytical side by coming up with a design and actually being able to turn that imagined idea into reality.

Is there something that drives your creativity?
My main inspirations for my past designs have stemmed strongly from the 1950's silhouette-meets-geometry class. I love the strong lines and interesting shapes that can be stolen from geometric shape and translated into a garment.

So who is your favorite designer?
My favorite designer at the moment is classic Dior circa the New Look of 1947.

And your favorite look?
I am loving the boyish essentials of the 1940's mixed with frills, gathers, and ultra feminine trims. But that is today; tomorrow it will likely be something else completely. My ‘favorite look’ is changing constantly.

I love history...how about a certain period in the past...what attracts you?
I have always been most attracted to the 1950's, the regeneration of fashion following the war. The silhouette that enhances a woman’s natural beauty; it’s so simple, but so lovely.

You strike me as having some formal training...
I am currently enrolled in the Apparel Design Major at Seattle Pacific, as well as being a Merchandising Major.

What is your dream as a fashion designer?
Ideally I would love to be working for one of the great fashion houses. Who wouldn’t?

Many of my readers are interested in green fashion or ethical fashion...
I think it is terrific. It is keeping the world a cleaner, safer, fairer place for all people to live and work. I find it very refreshing when designers utilize eco-fashion in their design concepts.

Okay, a little provocation here. Can Seattle keep pace with other Mecca’s of fashion like New York?
Seattle has a fashion scene all its own. Each neighborhood you walk into will elicit a completely different vibe. I live in a pretty down to earth yet fashion savvy neighborhood. People like to be stylish and look terrific, but individual style definitely has to be distinctive and unique to truly educe a fashion-conscious Seattle style.

Any closing words for the students of LIM College in Manhattan who are reading?
Fashion reaches far beyond the grasps of the city that it is being designed in. The world is at our fingertips every moment of everyday. Grasp what inspires you most about fashion or your personal style and run with it.

Photo Lauren Henrie (center), model Carly Holtzinger (left), model Andrea VanLaar (right).

Seattle Student Designer Competition: Rebecca Lynn Sullivan

Where are you from, Rebecca?

I was born and grew up in Vancouver, WA, (not Canada, mind you).

And what drew you to fashion?
My mom taught me to sew when I was very young. I started out creating outfits for my Barbies, which led to pj bottoms for friends, and eventually to making most of my own wardrobe. So I guess you could say it started out as a hobby and ended up being my passion.

How did you discover your talent?
I literally began by creating items of clothing to go with my Barbie's outfits. However, my first real experience selling items that I designed and created was about 5 years ago when I was a sophomore at the University of Washington. I created a poncho/shawl for a friend of mine and then ended up selling them in 7 boutiques from Bellingham, WA to Portland, OR. It was a crazy whirl-wind experience, but I will never forget the feeling of people truly being interested in what I had created.

Very impressive! So, what inspires your creations?

I end up basing a lot of my designs on a particular color or fabric, so I would say that color and texture are huge inspirations for me. Also, I like entering random words in ffffound.com or flicker to see where it takes me and what will spark an idea.

Good tip. Do you have a favorite designer?

Right now I love the simplistic elegance of Ralph Lauren, and the geometric shapes and patterns of Tory Burch.

How about a favorite look?

I love separates and the endless ways you can layer clothing. I'm always amazed at what people have on under their North Face coats here in Seattle.

Is there a period in history that influences your designs?

18th century wealth is really interesting to me right now. Women who rode side-saddle and embroidered to pass the day, yet had the most beautiful, luxurious and detailed garments...just to sit around in. The 1970's were generally pretty amazing too.

What influenced your design in the student competition?

The green jacket from the fashion show was slightly inspired by 18th century fashion (i.e., covered buttons and a voluminous collar).

As a prerequisite to the competition, you must be in a fashion program...

I am currently attending Seattle Central Community College. Prior to this program my only schooling was self-taught and also from my mom.

Where do you think your talent will take you?

I am absolutely unsure at this point. I know I want to influence people. In what way or on what level, I don't really care.

Could you say a few words to those who work in the green apparel industry?

I think it's great people are putting the effort into green fashion. It's not something I care to devote time to, but it's awesome that it even exists.

Do you support ethical fashion?

I'm assuming that means leather and fur? I would never wear fur but a lot of my shoes have some leather on them. Again, I'm glad that there are people who care about it and are trying to make a difference. I, however, am indifferent.

How can such trends become more accessible to the general public?

Eco-sustainable clothing? It will never work if places like Forever 21 and Target exist. Cheap clothing that you can update your wardrobe with multiple times a season? It will always win.

How does the Seattle fashion scene compare to New York?
Seattle's fashion scene will never keep pace with places like New York. However, I do feel that there is an abundance of fashion and fashionable people here; they're just fashionable in an understated way. Subtlety can go a long way when every 8th person cares about fashion. Whereas in New York, everyone's trying to get noticed, so nobody stands out.

Students of fashion at LIM College in New York will be reading this article. Do you have any words for them?

If they're neck-deep in their Final Lines like I am, I would say, "Good Luck".

Seattle Student Designer Competition: Lennura Zhataganova

So, Lennura, where are you from?
I’m from Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, the capital city of the Eastern Kazakhstan region, but I grew up in a village called Bolshenarim (trans. Big-River), about a five-hour drive from Ust-Kamenogorsk.

What attracted you to fashion?

I want to help people enhance their looks and feel good about themselves.

How did you discover your talent?

My passion for fashion began in early childhood, when I was cutting curtains, table cloths, my mom’s wedding dress to make clothes for my dollies. Anything I could cut and make into something else, something more beautiful, I would find and cut. Ask my mom about all that, she has a handful of stories...

What motivates you as a designer?
I don't really have an inspiration. I design as I go. I will start with a basic shape and begin adding elements that complement it. Then I will add some interesting detail. I prefer classic, modern, geometric shapes, clean cuts. I find clothing of a Bastle period very attractive and flattering, so I think my designs carry some elements of that era: fitted jackets and full on the backside of the skirt.

Have you received any formal training?
I am currently a student in an apparel design program at Seattle Central Community College in Seattle, WA. Prior to this, I had no formal training, other than working on various projects for friends and family throughout the years.

What aspirations do you have for your future?
I want to be able to start my own business one day. I’d like to help people to look their best and be able to express themselves through their garments.

As an emerging designer, where do you stand on issues like sustainability and apparel?
I am very supportive of this and I want to be a part of the green and ethical fashion movement. It's our responsibility to be good stewards of our planet, so we need to take good care of the earth by creating less trash and reusing and recycling what we can. I’d also like to do away with sweat shops and protect people who work so hard and are, unfortunately, paid so little.

I know very little about Seattle's fashion scene...

Seattle fashion is very diverse and people who live here like to express themselves through the clothing they wear; it's a good arena for fashion.

Do you have any words for the students of fashion in New York at LIM College who will be reading?

Seattle fashion has a different taste, a different feel; it’s definitely expressive and holds true to many green and ethical standards. It’s a west coast vibe, where comfort and reliability are key ingredients, but it tries to be true to what’s in style and what makes sense…practicality is the driving force amongst Seattle fashion.

Seattle Fashion Week - Student Designers Competition

So what do you know about Seattle? Ranked by some as the most literate state of the Union, Seattle can also boast the original "skid row," which has since become Yesler Way!

Birthplace of rock legend Jimi Hendrix and "grunge" music, Seattle totes itself as a coffee mecca—hence the appropriateness of Sleepless in Seattle!

Despite the poor rap about rainy days and cloudy skies, Seattle-ites actually purchase more sunglasses per capita than any other US city. Go Seattle!!!

Finally, this northwestern city has inherited a long history of booms and busts, rising out of rushes ranging from timber to gold! So what's on the rise in Seattle during these busted times? New found talent at Seattle Fashion Week.

As a precursor to the event, which will take place in April, on February 26 Seattle Fashion Week hosted its 1st annual Student Fashion Designer Competition, which was sponsored by Comcast, who selected 5 finalists: Lennura Zhataganova, Anna Black, Yomary Muñoz, Rebecca Lynn Sullivan, and Lauren Hendrie.

I have had the joy and privilege of conducting exclusive interviews with four of these talented young designers, which I will be bringing to you over the next few days.

So fashion students around the world, stay tuned to read about these designers' views on design, Seattle's fashion scene, eco-trends, and more!

Photo by Joshulove Copyright Wikipedia Public Domain.