How A Group Of New York Fashion Students Are Unveiling The Illusion Of The Fashion Industry
By: Julia Mazzella
Credit: Alejandro Basalo
For decades, the fashion industry has built up a facade of gloss and glamour while neglecting to reveal the true trials, tribulations, and hard work of those who keep the industry running smoothly.
Fashion has become a world of elites. Once about the artistry and craftsmanship of garments, this industry slowly evolved as one that is consumed by image and exclusivity.
COVID-19 brought our world to a screeching halt. Though the pandemic stopped our ‘normal’ lives and shut down everything we once had planned for the year 2020, it has ironically accelerated change and inspired innovations beyond the threshold of our imagination. It has brought a call to action in the fashion industry.
Dismissing the antiquated ideals of “a-list prestige,” fashion has since modernized its priority to one that focuses on a greater discussion and building community. Truthfully, it is the next generation of fashion leaders that is not only demanding a change in perspective, but initiating this shift on their own.
For the last 35 years, the talented students of Marist College’s globally-renowned fashion program have produced the annual Silver Needle Runway Show, and comprise the program’s Fashion Show Production course. This class is an opportunity for students within the School of Communications and the Arts to immerse themselves in the exciting world of fashion shows, and lead the production of Marist College’s largest annual event. The class comprises four teams that each cover all sectors of the runway world, and is led by seven exceptionally passionate directors. The student involvement continues, as this presentation showcases the incredible final collections of the Marist Fashion Design seniors.
In its 35th year, the Silver Needle Runway team is facing new challenges, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. But within even the most unprecedented times comes opportunity for innovation. The 38 students chosen to produce SNR35 are exploring beyond the traditional format of fashion shows and igniting much-needed change in the industry.
Credit: Alejandro Basalo
The pivotal time we are experiencing inspired this year’s show theme, entitled illusion. Developed by SNR35’s Creative Director, Ariana Pittelli, illusion’s utilization of visual effects of distortion and optical illusion was just the beginning in developing the true meaning behind this year’s show. Pittelli explains how, “Illusion asks our audience to finally free their minds of all walls they have built, subconscious judgements and prejudices they have created. [Illusion] means living a more understanding life...”
Dismantling the construct of singular perspective, illusion intends to open our eyes to the opportunity to see the world in a different light, and champion the idea that things are not always what it may seem at first glance. From concept to completion, this team is embodying this unique theme in their traditional runway show, virtual presentations, and multimedia brand.
Though the invisible guidelines of the classic runway show have been respected for years, this group of students have challenged the idea of what a fashion show can become time and time again. For the first time ever, the SNR team has taken on the challenge of producing a short film series, “What You See.” With an attention-grabbing storyline, viewers are prompted to seek a different point of view and ponder on what it’s like to live life in someone else’s shoes.
Pittelli’s partner and Digital Media Director, Steven Ciravolo, has taken on a leading role in capturing the illusion concept through film. Ciravolo shares more about the meaning behind illusion, as the central purpose of the short film series, “Within all of us, there are beliefs and ideas that are constructed as a result of our own personal experiences as well as from the ideas of those around us. For this reason, it is important for us to question the ways in which we perceive the world around us and through this, recognize the impact of our thinking.”.
Though this team is determined to create a digital relationship with its audience, the student producers have also been planning and preparing for an in-person runway show, set to take place on May 22nd, 2021. The conclusion of the short film series will debut for show attendees, before being released on YouTube. Utilizing the omni-channel platform the SNR team has launched the show will be both recorded and live-streamed for viewers who cannot attend the runway show.
Whether you join the SNR team in-person or virtually, illusion will not disappoint. With a consistent voice, their message flows through every touch point. In asking what these young innovators hope their audience takes away from their show Ciravolo shares how he hopes “the audience goes in with an open mind. I hope they are able to connect, on some level, with the story being told.” Pittelli continues with how, “we all need to “undo the illusion” we have built in different aspects of our lives, we hope this show instills that desire in our viewers.”.
The fashion world is changing for the better, and it is the next generation of creative leaders who are acting towards that change.
For more updates, immerse yourself in all things SNR35: illusion, by following @silverneedlerunway on all platforms.
Credit: Alejandro Basalo