AiSeattle Aeon Neue Fashion Show
I’ve attended the AiSeattle annual student fashion show for the last four years. As an alumnus of The Art Institute of Seattle, I feel it’s always important to support my fellow peers, especially at an institution like AiSeattle where your education is your first real job in the design world.
Every year, the show is hosted at a different, yet fabulous location in Seattle. For the show’s 19th year, the enthusiastic crowd flooded Canvas Event Space in the SODO District, a somewhat industrial yet modern space, perfect for a runway show. The venue was easy to access (aside from limited parking, well-lit with fantastically designed chandeliers and track lighting accenting the runway, and comfortably spacious (because there’s nothing worse than feeling like a pack of sardines at a show). This year’s theme was Aeon Neue meaning trendy, strong, and fierce.
The night before the show I had the terrible dilemma of choosing the perfect outfit. I tried on four different dresses before settling on a casually chic t-shirt and leggings look styled with a blazer and my new favorite Christian Siriano leopard print heeled sandals. Many of the other attendees had the same idea to go for the sleek, casual look dressed mainly in black with a pop of color in an accessory or shoes.
I spotted a few familiar faces including Joan Kelly, the Executive Producer of the show, running back and forth making sure everything stays on schedule, Megan Kophs, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist and Director, and one of my favorite fashion photographers (and fellow AiSeattle alumnus), Vivian Hsu, with her camera in hand taking some great shots of her favorite looks.
Before the show, we started with a raffle and an auction. Some of the raffle items included a Stella & Dot necklace valued at $200 and a Day of Shopping at Neiman Marcus with a $250 gift card, lunch, a facial, and a full makeover. The auction items were pretty spectacular as well. The items included A Day at the Mariners valued at $500, Wine Dinner for Four at Barolo valued at $500, and A Night with David Crosby and Friends valued at $350. All the money raised through the raffle, auction, and donations (a whopping $10,650) benefitting the Crescent Moon Foundation. While I didn’t bid on any of the auction items, I proudly donated $100 to the foundation.
Once everyone’s wallets were happily emptied, the show began and I got right to it with snapping photos of my favorite looks. I’m always so amazed at what the students can create.
When the show was over, Scott Carnz, Dean of Academic Affairs at The Art Institute of Seattle announced the winners of the runway show. During the 5 p.m. show, judges were on hand to select winners for the following categories. The judges included David Blackham, President, owner and founder of David Lawrence, Inc., Rebekah Lewis, owner, and founder of Effortless Image Consulting in Los Angeles, and Danielle Ackerley, owner of Canopy Blue. Each winner walked away with a scholarship ranging from $750 to $1,500.
Best Runway Look (tie): Katie Doan & Barbara Willock
Most Marketable Collection: Kevin Shu
Most Editorial Collection: Austin Crider
Up & Coming Designer: Shawna Bennett
Designer of the Year: Rosana Venturini
The designers weren’t the only ones recognized for their hard work. This year, the fashion marketing students were also up for scholarships under the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award. The winners included:
Katelyn Bear, Front of House Producer
Victoria Lehman, Back of House Producer
Mika Vanfossen, Media Director
Lex Bair, Graphic Designer & Branding Manager
Steffi Fnu, Seating Chart Coordinator
Laurie Lynch, Sponsorship & Procurement Liaison
Congratulations to not only the scholarship winners but everyone who had a hand in producing this fantastic show. Seattle is definitely home to some talented fashion creatives and it is events like this that allow them to shine the brightest. If you missed it this year, be sure to catch it in 2018. Also, be sure to follow AiS Runway District on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and their blog for updates on next year’s show.
