The loud noise of Jessica Wolfe’s sewing machine is nothing compared to the ball of nerves inside of her. Beautiful mustard colored fabric is strewn about and cutouts of pieces for a jacket are meticulously lying on the table. Her other designs proudly hang nearby. She is nearly finished with her collection, yet her work will never be done.
It’s that time again for the Senior Collection Fashion Show. Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts fashion design students put on the show every spring semester. It is students’ opportunity to display their hard work with a cohesive collection of individually created designs brought together by a common theme.
Wolfe, a senior in the VPA program from Rochester, has designed a collection of edgy eveningwear and unique work wear. Her inspiration comes from warm autumn color palettes and the plant life that covers building walls. Her collection remains nameless until every piece is finished.
“Long days and sleepless nights, that sums preparing this collection up in five words,” Wolfe said. “One thing I have realized is that I possess an incredible amount of work ethic. I feel as though I can accomplish anything.”
Each collection consists of eight original designs from each of the 30 seniors participating in the show. This wide variety of designs is something the public and students look forward to every year. The fashion show is complete with models, hair, makeup, accessories and music. The designers choose every detail of their show.
Brittany Moore, another senior VPA student from Buffalo, said her collection was inspired from two opposite forces: waves and smoke. Although things have been hectic, she is excited to take her designs from sketches into garments.
“This experience has been life-changing,” Moore said. “I have learned to plan ahead. Anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it, and all of that hard work is worth it in the end.”
Fashion design majors present their senior collections at the annual on-campus fashion show with hopes that their collections are selected for the annual New York City fashion show. The show attracts area and industry professionals. Past visitors have included Oscar de la Renta, Henry Grethel, Tommy Hilfiger, Mary McFadden, Nicole Miller, Thai Nguyen, Todd Oldham, Russell Simmons and Stephanie Solomon ’72.
Quick Take:
The Senior Collection Fashion Show takes place Thursday at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium located in the Schine Student Center. Tickets are on sale now at the Schine Box Office. The 12:30 p.m. showing is $6, and the 7:30 p.m. show is $30 for floor seats or $20 for balcony. Students with an SU ID get a discounted admission price of $15.
