All Eyes on the 2018 SCAD Fashion Show

A giant human-like eye opens to reveal a trio of all black urban avant-garde looks walking down the runway – there Catalina Robles San Martin’s ethereal vision came to life. Students, faculty, and a variety of industry types, including the always fabulous Miss Jay Alexander and the charming mentor/designer duo of Brock Collection watching their star pupils, gathered for the sold out annual SCAD fashion show on a humid Friday evening.

Models with their gold-foiled slicked back ponytails and bright neon makeup strutted down the classic white Trustees Theater runway in trios and quartets showcasing collections from 45 senior fashion designers and one graduate student. After many months of hard work and sleepless nights, finally, hems were done, stitches sewn, and the collections were complete. Black vinyl, silver sequins, neon fringe, colossal ruffles – anything and everything you can envision appeared on the runway that night. “It was interesting to see the students’ different aesthetics, each from the same institution, but comprising a completely unique style,” said a guest watching the show. There was no one collection that looked remotely similar to another.

However, over the top and voluminous silhouettes seemed to be a common thread between many of the senior collections this year. One student even sent his models down the runway wearing clothing racks with his designs on them – all eyes were on stage. The designer, Jackson Wrenn McCabe, calls it “Business Only.” Perhaps students were inspired by Cristobal Balenciaga’s sculptural creations from the 1950s and 1960s or Rei Kawakubo’s nonconformist art pieces for Comme des Garçons. Whatever the genius behind the work, the designers unquestionably captured the attention and applause of the encaptivated audience.

Maximalism is having a moment according to Kianni Hughes’ pattern-played “Tongue-and-Cheek” collection. With attached political headlines, black and white graphic prints, glitter buttons and polka dot fur sleeves, the designer surely brought us clown chic realness.

Designer Mathuson “Sam” Anthony sent dreamy yet sensual models down the runway with lace covered faces. A Margiela reference, perhaps? Delicate lace and a mixture of layered sheer fabrics paired with gold accents gave off a seductive and heavenly feeling. “Sam’s collection was very innovative and beautifully crafted. I could definitely see his designs come down a high end runway show,” said fellow classmate, Taylor Primuth.

The show ended with a well deserved standing ovation and when most designers briefly pop out from backstage only for a polite wave and smile, the SCAD seniors each proudly walked down the runway with one of their prized looks. After all, it was their special night.