Irma Lemus
HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- From turn-of-the-century designs that would have
been at home in the ballroom of Titanic to the more daring James
Bond-girl fashions of the 1960s, classic threads were the order of the
day at Woodbury University's second annual vintage fashion show.
In addition to modeling items from some of the biggest names in names
in 20th century fashion design, the Woodbury students who took part in
Wednesday's event wowed an appreciative crowd with articles dating back
to the 1850s.
The fashion show featured about 90 garments, said Christopher
Morgenstern, who teaches design at the college and helped coordinate the
event.
"This show is more about the students. The models are students and it
was produced by students," Morgenstern said.
In all, 35 Woodbury students took part in the show, modeling and
working behind the scenes, he said.
John Juarez, 20, a sophomore design student, strutted the catwalk in
a 1960s' psychedelic kaftan by famous designer Rudi Gernreich. His
exaggerated gestures and dramatic posing earned Juarez a huge response
from the crowd.
"I was just having fun. I'm used to being in front of people. I was
an actor in high school," Juarez said.
Morgenstern said he hoped the fashion show would bring awareness to
Woodbury's fashion collection, which includes about 1,000 pieces from
such noted designers as Yves Saint Laurent and Emilio Pucci.
"A lot of students, even seniors, didn't know about the collection.
It's a great resource to study," Morgenstern said.
Many of the designs in the collection, which was started by a former
faculty member and has been put together over 35 years, will be on
display at the college in the coming weeks.
For information, call 767-0888.
