The Art Institute of York's Senior Fashion Show

Decked Out: A Runway Fashion Show

June 2, 2008

The Art Institute of York’s (AIY - formerly Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts) sixth term fashion marketing students showed their skills at a fashion show hosted by Buchart Horn, Inc./Basco Associates during the evening of June 2.

The popular show is an essential part of the Fashion Marketing program and features original student-designed couture. The AIY senior students conduct this community service/school project on a regular basis, each time donating the proceeds to a different local charity.  Over a 12 week period, graduating students work on organizing the event by assembling outfits, auditioning models, securing a location and soliciting donations.

Family, friends, instructors and members of the community arrived en masse to support this year's event. The show took place at the York-based engineering and consulting firm Buchart Horn, Inc./BASCO Associates who generously donated their unique building as the venue. Clothes and accessories for the models, as well as food and beverages were contributed by area businesses; hairstylists and makeup artists also volunteered their time and talents.

The proceeds from the show totalled nearly $1,600 and were donated to the York-Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross "Fire Hurts...Red Cross Helps" campaign.

The theme of the show was Decked Out, which featured different collections of clothing based on the four card suits: Hearts, Spades, Diamonds and Clubs. Between each collection, the emcee, dressed in a tux and top hat, dropped hints as what was to come in true dramatic fashion. The Hearts Collection represented sweet, light clothing while Spades represented dark, edgy rock-inspired looks. Diamonds were the models’ best friend as they showcased elegant evening wear that glistened and sparkled. Clubs were representative of colorful, trendy club-going attire.

The students designed and sewed original pieces in their Apparel II class and organized the fundraiser under the guidance of academic director, Allen Brenner. Brenner has over 15 years of experience teaching at the Art Institute, formerly the Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts

The Philadelphia Street location of the award-winning Buchart Horn, Inc./Basco Associates offices proved to be an ideal venue. The former brownfield site, home to the inner city Borg Warner industrial manufacturing complex, was remediated by the company in 1995.

The multi-level building's open atrium was more than able to accomodate seating for over 150 attendees in addition to the length of runway and side areas replete with refreshment and door prize stations. At its heart was a glass elevator encompassed by a open staircase that was used to its full effect.

During the show the models, mainly students from the Art Institute, artfully descended the stairway and emerged from behind a curtain leading out to the runway. Models of all sizes showed off their outfits as they strutted down the runway in front of the cheering crowd. To the delight of the audience, the models continued to pose inside the elevator as it ascended to the changing rooms while the next models began making their way down the stairs and onto the runway.

The night ended with Brenner recognizing the graduating students for their hard work. All of the students students displayed their original designs and took a bow before exiting the runway. After presenting a check for the proceeds to Victoria Connor, who represented the York-Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Brenner announced the winners of door prizes donated by local businesses, and students celebrated the event’s success with proud family members and excited friends.

Flashback to January 22, 2008 when fashion student and Suburban Park Apartment resident, Paul Jernigan lost all of his belongings in a horrific fire. During this crisis, the Red Cross was there to help Paul get back on his feet. When he and his classmates had to choose a beneficiary for their final pre-graduation project, they decided to complete the circle of goodness by supporting the Red Cross "Fire Hurts…Red Cross Helps" fund, so that the Chapter can continue to help other local fire victims in their time of need.