Fashion Students and Faculty Recognized

The Art of Fashion: EGOS Students and Faculty Recognized for the Ideas and Creativity

Drawing inspiration from such varied sources as Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, the architecture of the Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum and Jean-Claude Christo’s “Gates” art installation in New York City, designers who studied at Emily Griffith Opportunity School and Faculty joined talents from across the country in earning awards in the annual Fashion Challenge sponsored by Threads magazine.

The show October 13 at the Westin Tabor Center, held as part of the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers 14th Annual National Convention, gave participants a chance to show their originality and skills while competing for prizes. Winners of the Fashion Challenge, which asked participants to create a 21st Century Masterpiece of couture inspired by art, will have their work in a future issue of
Threads magazine.

Adam Van Eeckhout, an EGOS Professional Sewing and Design student, was awarded a full PACC scholarship based on his portfolio submittal and he was able to attend the national conference and the Master Classes. The latter were offered by national experts who used the classroom facilities at EGOS. Adam’s garment, a black, avant garde cocktail dress was modeled on the runway in the General Fashion Show category.

Two current Professional and Sewing and Design instructors were finalists in the Fashion Challenge. Carol Engel-Enright had two garments on the runway, “Water Lillies” inspired by Monet and “Blue Lace,” inspired by Van Gogh. Jan White, the other EGOS instructor, won the National Challenge in the category “Most Imaginative Use of Materials and Design” with her russet orange silk Doupioni vest and gray leggings and shirt.

Former student, Anita McGregor, won the “People’s Choice Award” for her “Architectural Coat.” In the General Fashion Category, Mary Beth Davis, a former instructor, showed both a Red Chinese Coat and Dress and a Multi-layered chiffon cocktail dress and Carol Engel-Enright had a white suit with hand woven accents.

Two other students who have attended EGOS, Darcey Lewis and Joellyn Keranen, who are both working in the field also had garments in the show. Ashley Apodaca, Dixie Guebera and Areceli Lerma, current students, modeled designs. In addition, many other EGOS students, including Jose Clark, last year’s PACC scholarship winner, attended the event. It was exciting to see how many former EGOS students are now PACC members earning their living in fashion and design.

Kudos to Vicky Nolan for encouraging her students and colleagues to participate in this and numerous other fashion industry events. She is making both a local and national name for our school.