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Off the Cuff: Thoughts on the JCCC Fashion Show

April 23, 2024

From original idea to wearable design

Each spring, fashion students in the JCCC Fashion Merchandising & Design program watch as models strut their stuff on the runway. Quite literally THEIR stuff – the models are wearing designs created and sewn by the fashion students themselves. The students even choose the music to soundtrack the presentation of their collections.

This year’s show, “Off the Cuff,” featured the work of 11 student designers. Their works span a variety of influences, from pop culture and science fiction to religious symbolism and architecture. Here are a few of their thoughts on the collection, fashion design, and their JCCC experience.

 

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    An audience is watching a fashion show. The model in front, photographed from a low angle, wears a tight red pearled cap, a pearl choker with pendant, black and gold brocade buttoned jacket, red poofy shorts with elastic cuffs, red lace gloves and socks, and high black mule heels. A group of models strut the runway, wearing various outfits in shades of coral, brown, gold and orange. : A woman with dark blue-black hair and deep red lipstick strikes a pose on the runway. She is wearing a puff-sleeved black jacket, white pearls, a dark red shirt with gold dot pattern, dark red-gold shorts, and black heels with low socks.

    Where did you get your inspiration for your collection?

    “Standing at 5’1” and embracing the hijab, I recognize the void in the market for garments that blend modesty with contemporary aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from modern architecture’s curves, I designed a collection characterized by fresh colors and timeless appeal, offering consumers the freedom to express themselves while remaining stylishly modest.”  – Rola Atra

    “A lot of my favorite books, movies, and TV shows take place during the medieval era and feature a strong female lead who must go into battle for one reason or another. I decided to imagine how that character trope might dress in the modern day. I describe the concept for my collection as ‘a princess riding into battle, but in 2024.’” – Katelyne Kratofil

    “I’m particularly fascinated by the combination of religious symbolism with darker themes, which I believe enriches storytelling. My collection was inspired by religion, and specifically a nun’s attire.” – Giovani Agustin

    “The last four years have been mentally draining on myself/society, and over the summer I had a revelation about happiness and how I really have not tried to prioritize it within myself in years. The way I interpreted that within my collection concept is a ‘happy apocalypse.’” – Harmony Woods

     

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      An audience watches a runway. The model in front is wearing orange sunglasses, an orange sleeveless turtleneck bathing suit with a plastic high-low hemmed jumper over top. She’s smiling and striking a pose, one foot kicked slightly up behind her. A crowd sits on two sides of the runway as models walk on it. At the front of the runway is a tattooed woman wearing a lime green satin skirt with pink and red polka dot accents, a black and white plaid jacket with lime green satin lining, and sunglasses. : A line of models walks down the runway in two directions as an audience looks on.

      How did you get into fashion design?

      “My interest in fashion all started one day when my mother decided she wanted to make a sequined bodysuit. Of course, as her child, I was obligated to help her. At first, I was skeptical that we could make it look halfway decent as neither of us knew anything about patterns or sewing! Much to our surprise, it turned out pretty good. Since that day seven years ago, I have gained the confidence to make my own patterns and garments.” – Eunice McCallop

      “I'm Hispanic and bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English. Growing up I participated in modeling competitions, and this was the beginning of my love for fashion; I love everything about it!” – Desiree Alcantara

      “I started to draw full collections on printer paper at the age of 5 and told everyone I wanted to be a designer when I grew up. I’m glad I’m studying fashion now, but I’m still working out what I want to do as a career choice. To further my education, I’ve set my sights on going to FIT or Parsons School of Design in NYC and won’t stop until I meet that goal.” – Nene Bailey

      “Despite initially pursuing a different degree in college, I redirected my focus to fashion. The transition away from home life enabled more creative expression, leading me to pivot my academic focus towards a field that has resonated with me since childhood.” – Meg Kiser

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        A model wearing a coral pullover jacket with lots of drawstrings poses at the front of the runway. Her hair is styled with bangs curling on her forehead. A woman with long dark hair wearing a black shirt and brown and gold skirt smiles excitedly while clapping her hands together. An audience applauds. Two women walk on a runway. One wears a silvery mask-like headdress, white dress, and navy jacket over the top, her arms held out in a pose. Another woman is walking away from the camera, wearing a form-fitting silver dress with straps and silver sleeves.

        What will you miss most about JCCC?

        “I will miss my wonderful teachers who were incredibly supportive and made sure to help me even when I refused to ask for it.”– Leah Lissauer

        “The structure and deadlines. I need someone to crack the whip on me. I will also miss all the amazing teachers and their knowledge and encouragement!”– Calley Saye

        “What I’m going to miss most is my friends and the sense of community you can feel within the fashion program.” – Mavis Spearman

        Want to bring your own designs to life?

        If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry, the JCCC Fashion Merchandising & Design curriculum prepares you for a career in retail management, retail sales, apparel design, illustration, or market representative positions. You can find all the program details here!