Student Designs Presented In “Masterpiece Runway”

By Kelly Garrison
Features Editor

Fashion students at Long Beach City College (LBCC) will fuse famous works of art with cutting edge style next week during the school’s 32nd annual catwalk showcase.

The “Masterpiece Runway” program will combine talent from design and entertainment students and give them an opportunity to practice career skills in a live setting. Tickets are on sale for the event, expected to draw 900 people, said Pamela Knights, fashion design program director at LBCC.

“It’s a whole evening of entertainment, rather than just a fashion show,” she said. “They have so much fun with it.”

Models in the “Masterpiece Runway” event will display each garment alongside projected images of corresponding historical artwork, by artists such as Edgar Degas, Salvador Dali and Gustav Klimt. All pieces have been designed by students and will include “Watercolor” swimwear, “Picture Perfect” day dresses, “Surreal” sportswear, “Stroke of Midnight” eveningwear and more.

“They will show between 120 and 130 garments,” Knights said. “There’s always a theme. This year’s theme is based on the concept of fashion inspired by different works of art by the masters throughout the ages.”

Theater students will begin the entertainment with a dramatization of the historic artists in a “therapy session,” as they discuss the arts, Knights said. Afterward, professional models will present student fashion designs with a number of performance interludes by LBCC dance students.

“Students plan everything from who judges and who’s awarded scholarships to the selection of models and the refreshments,” Knights said. “It includes students from the theater, dance, radio and television departments.”

Janel Rowden, 25, is pursuing a career certificate in fashion merchandizing and has coordinated the financial budget for the show this year. She said the event is a culmination of hard work for many students.

“We’ve been given different tasks and divided it up into different groups,” she explained. “We learn teamwork, timelines and how to be in a micro-working environment… We’ve got a lot to offer and a lot of talent.”

“It is a great way for students to interact with not only each other, but other departments on campus, and most importantly, fashion industry professionals,” added Danielle Martin, 21, a fashion merchandizing student who has helped supervise the production.

Students not only will compete for awards and $1,500 in scholarships, but also for the attention of esteemed industry professionals — namely, those judging the show. Among them will be designer Alicia Estrada, who founded the Stop Staring! retro chic clothing line.

“It’s a chance for them to network and get recognized,” Knights said. “The show has led students to jobs before.”

The event also will include a few pieces from students at various area high schools. Knights said organizers added younger participants in hopes of exposing them to the career possibilities offered through the fashion industry.

“Masterpiece Runway” will start at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 22, in the Building J auditorium of the LBCC Liberal Arts Campus, at 4901 E. Carson St. General admission costs $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Admission for high school students with identification is $8. For tickets, call 938-4192.