Taking it from the paper and actually creating it gives a sense of accomplishment to students of fashion design and promotion at Arlington High School.
The students design and sew their own outfits as the final project and then model them at the annual fashion show. This year the show was presented at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, May 28. The show is coordinated by the fashion promotion class.
“We take care of the promotion, getting it out to everyone in the community,” said Tyler Payne, one of two teachers in fashion. The promotion class also coordinates posters, programs, sponsors and morning announcements for the show.
Some of the students work as backstage timing coordinators and direct the models to where they need to be. Others are ushers who sell tickets at the booth and others served as masters of ceremonies during the show.
“We had to be professional, and that was probably helpful for the future,” reflected Brandy Hofmeister and Ashley Fauver on their search for sponsors. Both seniors are in the fashion promotion class.
“I started making my own clothes at age 10,” said Cheryl Allen, the teacher of the fashion design class. “My mother was my inspiration.” For Allen, sewing is a relaxing and calming activity.
She transfers her skills to her students daily by teaching them how to incorporate texture and color into their designs.
“They learned about the influence of color and how it sets mood,” Allen said. They also learned which textures correspond to which designs.
Each student in the class had to make a drawing of their design and think of a company name and logo. They also took a trip to the fabric store and chose fabrics and patterns that were similar to their designs.
Many students were extremely dedicated to their projects, staying long hours after school, some of whom worked at the school until 7 p.m. on the Friday before the show.
“It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life,” said Melissa Bjornson, a sophomore in the fashion design class.
“When you design something, it shows your personality. We get an opportunity to express ourselves,” Bjorson added.
Not only can individual skills be gained, friendships are also formed.
“It’s a class where you can be independent so you can unite with your classmates,” said Yuki Dorff, also a sophomore in the fashion design class.
“I am proud of what I made, and grateful to those who supported me,” said Dorff.
Safa Pinkens is a sophomore at Arlington High School with a 3.98 GPA, Safa Pinkens is a student correspondent writing about activities at high school.
