Getting ready for the show to start.

9 p.m.

This place is packed. There was another party in the tent for our general admission ticket holders thanks to Union Café and now the two happy crowds are merging—there are approximately 800 people packed into this tent ready to be delighted and excited.

I got here just in time. Fortunately there was a fabulous video running while I got set up.

Andrea  Cambern is already on stage—stunning per usual—and she’s introducing Arlene and Michael Weiss (representing runway sponsor EXPRESS) who will officially get this party started with a classic ribbon cutting (apropos, no?).

Opening the show.

As Andrea begins to thank our generous sponsors, I can see people flipping through their lookbooks, which were printed by Baesman and sponsored by Abercrombie &  Fitch (I’m not sure what the model  on the back cover ad is selling, but I’ll take two). FYI: Click here to find out more about the lookbook and other student-generated visuals for the show.

The music is rising, the tempo is picking up and… here we go.

Up first is Joella Stallard’s collection. Lovely.

We had a smaller senior Fashion Design class this year, but we still have more than 50 looks coming down the runway tonight. This year the designers presented more garments for jurying and some have as many as five or six looks in the show.

Once again, each designer is as unique as the collection she brings to the show (yes, our senior designers this year are all women). If you get a chance, check out their individual interviews and learn how they were inspired to develop these beautiful pieces.

Unfortunately I was not lucky enough to sit down with each designer to do the individual interviews this year (sometimes delegating sucks).  So I’m going to turn this blog post over to Kristen Foley for her take on what is coming down the runway vs what she saw in development during the last six months. Take it from here Kristen…

As I learned during my interview with Joella, she normally gravitates towards simple, tailored pieces; however, as her designs hit the runway they were anything but simple. The free flowing and airy fabrics moved with the model with every step. The pleats that were originally daunting, are now beyond divine as they get instant applause from the crowd.

Next up, Jennifer Tang. Jennifer set out to create movement, flow, and a color palette that matched her artistic muses and she certainly achieved that with her look tonight. Feathered dusty rose chiffon never looked as good as it does tonight.

There is sincere natural and organic element to Michele Watson’s designs. The barefoot models and their foot or toe jewelry only add to the ethnic element that Michele wanted to achieve. Michele was one of the first people who I spoke with and it’s exciting to see her entire collection come together and how each of the printed fabrics work together cohesively on stage.

The art of theater was always something that Tasha Naneth Bolten was drawn to as a child, and her collection is certainly not short on theatrics. A touch of the past mixed with the new is showcased perfectly in her final pieces. Adding a bit of extra drama to the evening are her handmade headpieces. Love the feather. Love the hat.

Next up is Amanda Mae Smith’s collection. Amanda’s goal was to take on big patterns, geometric, and animal shapes, and try to include natural fabrics whenever possible. She succeed. The unique “burnout” technique she used on several of her garments shows well on the runway. The elephant  burnout dress that I saw as a long dress in the classroom is now above-the-knee and worn with booted moccasins. It is somewhat tribal in nature, but still supreme high fashion.

Kristin Rose was the only designer to take on menswear this year. The models strut on the stage and give the audience a full view of the smokin’ wool coats she created. Baby, it’s getting’ hot in here! Rustic with a designer’s edge. Perfect for the guy going hunting on the town.

Wow, we’re already at the halfway point of the show and the crowd is loving every minute of it as Skyler Riggins’ piece takes the stage. The high-waisted pants and shimmering top are remarkable. You can see the detail on stage as the light hits it. It truly is a stand out piece.

Alyssa Johnson was another designer who took it upon herself to trademark her pieces, but this time with silk screening organic shapes onto the fabrics. The music starts a rock beat that perfectly compliments the collection. Her bold accessories show her unique attention to detail and the geometric shape.

A shimmer of sequins blinds us for a second as Rachel Cass’ collection takes the stage. Her collection of lingerie inspired ready-to-wear pieces add an extra couture edge to the evening. The sheer tops complimented by the comfy lounge jackets receive yet another round of applause.

Just knowing all the hard work each designer had to do to make these pieces even appear on stage makes the show that much more enjoyable. Only a few more collections to go!

Although Sarah Pruden described her piece as a little bit goth and girly, it’s really a whole lot of fun and flirty, especially when the model showcases one of the ruffles of the dress.

Julia Ruan’s pieces are like nothing we’ve seen yet. The bold colors precede the unique and powerful designs. Oversized sleeves and fun patterns speak loudly from the stage. The models hair is even dyed to match her designs.

A little surprise for the evening as Annika Simmons collection makes its appearance and the show’s youngest models take the stage. Little bits of pinks and pale greens and a whole lot of childlike wonder full of curtseys and crinoline.

Tasha Dircksen’s collection can be summed up as supreme glam. The fabrics are smooth and shiny with just enough shimmer and form to compliment the female models. Each are complimented by the handmade silver jewelry she created specifically for the show.

Seeing Shirley Weng’s ribbon infused collection onstage in its final form is a thrill. I had the opportunity to watch her as she first starting weaving the ribbons together and now the dress is strutting down the runway. What a rush.

It’s hard to believe but we’re on the last student collection. Rachel Kaplan’s jaw-dropping 1940s inspired evening gowns and pantsuits simply glow, even before the runway light hits them. Gold sequins are showcased through most of the pieces except for the rich, low-cut red dress that unites them all.

Thanks Kristen!

The applause is mind blowing, rightly so. And now the designers are coming down the runway with one of their models for their much-deserved kudos and flowers from Fashion Design Chair Suzanne Cotton (I love that she does that).

And, in return the students take to the stage one more time and are now handing Ms. Cotton a bouquet.

Oh, hello, we are not being told to leave… ah this must be the Easton Fashion Award.

And, Easton Town Center is presenting it to… OUTSTANDING SENIOR RACHEL CASS! AWESOME. What a fantastic way to cap the show.

I can hear a new high-octane beat thumping in the building next door as DJ Rainer gets the dance party started.

Hmmmm I’ve still got a little work to do.

From ArtGrange.com

Interior Design alumna Michelle Stitzlein’s art projects and collaborations with children utilizing recycled plastic bottle caps were featured in a four-page article in the May 2011 issue of Ranger Rick Magazine.

Her work with students at Montrose Elementary school in Bexley, OH, was spotlighted on WBNS’s Channel 10 as a “Female Focus” with Andrea Cambern on May 4. Watch the video here.

A mural created at the Imagination Station from May 6th-8th in Toledo, OH, also garnered coverage from Fox Toledo. Watch the video here.

Stitzlein’s (CCAD 1989) own work is on view in Dayton at the Dayton Art Institute through April 2012 and in Columbus at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center through September 2011.

More information can be found on her website: www.artgrange.com

Masters of Design

8:25 p.m. Ok, I’m set up in my new space in the giant runway tent. There’s already a huge crowd here and now 400 + VIPs are merging into the mix.

People are slowly starting to find their places for the show, but it looks like the urge to stop and talk and mingle is just as strong as the desire to find a good vantage point from which to see the show.

I cannot wait to see this show. I spent several months interviewing and writing about each designer for this blog. After talking with these amazing young people, this show feels more personal to me than any other. I am so excited to see all of their hard work come to fruition.

The “voice of god” is coming over the speakers urging people to find their seats and/or spots. And, now Ms. Andrea Cambern is on the stage, which means we are close to go time.

Now that we are in front of the FULL audience (it’s a sold-out event) Andrea is repeating a few things that were mentioned in the VIP party—and they are worth repeating. Our amazing sponsors are getting their props, and everyone is reminded that tonight they have helped someone go to college.

Ready for the show

OK, this is new—a special surprise announcement? Andrea is reminding everyone that earlier this year our title sponsor Limited Brands donated two exclusive tickets to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and we are no longer going to auction them because the Davis Foundation  gave us a grant that is allowing us to use the tickets in a different way .. OMG! They are giving the tickets to Fashion Design Outstanding Senior Carolyn Martin! This is soooo cool. You’ll agree after reading her Outstanding Senior award interview and my story on her earlier this year. (P.S. the grant money is designated to the Creative Excellence fund. Anyone so inclined can add to what the Davis Foundation started by clicking here).

OK really need to type faster, Arlene & Michael Weiss are getting up on stage. They are representing our runway sponsor EXPRESS and cutting the ribbon to start the show—NICE!

Music is up.

First model … Go!

And we are starting with Mea Adams, who was inspired by one of my favorite designers the always fun Betsey

Having watched these looks progress over the last year, I really appreciate the way they have developed and changed. Everything looks so polished. I see many people have made accessories to go with their looks. One of my favorite dresses, by Janell Clemente, got switched out. I was worried when I first heard, but the new dress is just … well … WOW!  Ryan Richmond also made a switch and it is GORGEOUS–it’s a soft pink dress that would look perfect on the red carpet of a movie premier. I could comment on each designer (and I really want to) but I’m guessing you aren’t going to read that far (if you have time go back and read their individual stories).

And here come the designers—the applause is deafening. As it should be! And, they are each getting flowers, yay!

Andrea is back on stage thanking everyone and I can hear the bass starting to thump in Design Studios on Broad as NYC DJ duo AndrewAndrew get ready to take all this excitement and turn up the volume—literally.

I’ve got pictures to upload, be there soon.

(Photos are also available on our Facebook page.)

What a great party!

7 p.m.

I’m stashed away in my corner, the perfect spot for watching the VIPs as they arrive for the pre-show party sponsored by Justice and Nationwide.

I cannot believe the transformation this space has undergone—from raw garage to hip club, all in a few days. (Check out the pre-show album on our Facebook page to see the  week-long progression.)

Ok, so, I confess I am fighting the urge to run up to people and ask “who” they are wearing, and I am having some serious fashion envy. The DJs later this evening (our new friends from NYC) are Miami-chic in matching (of course) pink suites. Later they will have the perfect accessories—ipads, which they will be mixing with during the apres-runway dance party.

The VIP Pre-Show party

I’m seeing every trend imaginable. Cocktail dresses, floor length, pants with sharp fitted jackets, halters, strapless, bow ties, and full-on suites. Lots of sparkle, red, and layered short cocktail dresses. Shoes are ranging from strappy flats to four-inch stilettos. Seeing awesome jewelry, modern silver pieces and more traditional pearls. I love it.

Third looks by the designers are on mannequins throughout the party space. It’s fun to watch people stroll through and pause, taking in each one and discussing it like they were at the Louvre.

8:00 ish—Ms. Andrea Cambern up on stage trying to get this rowdy crowd’s attention with a little O-H-I-O. She’s thanking our title sponsor Limited Brands and supporting sponsor the Davis Foundation … and saying very nice things about CCAD …  and introducing our own lovable president, one Mr. Denny Griffith—and he just announced he’s going off script. But as usual even when he wings it he gets it done.

Denny just made a great point—funds raised by this event go to the CCAD general scholarship fund. Let me elaborate: Scholarships can be the deciding factor on whether a student can come to CCAD. I hate to pull out an old cliché, but this really is a party with a purpose. (Donations can still be made online).

Now our VP Ms. Stephanie Hightower is taking the stage. She is thanking all of our amazing sponsors and our host committee, including the chairs Danielle & George Skestos, who were the driving force behind turning this event from a brunch to a full-on nighttime PARTAY.

Now for the moment where I find out which lucky VIP I will be jealous of for the rest of the night … they are about to announce the raffle winner for the diamond earrings designed by Stephen Webster—Congrats to Dionna Baker! (No, really, I mean it).

Guests are starting to move to the tent—the show is going to start soon. I love the energy in a room right before a show starts, and with this audience that energy is electric!

(Photos are also available on our Facebook page (and don’t worry we’ll add more next week.)

Female Focus on WBNS

WBNS’s Female Focus segment, hosted by Andrea Cambern was all about CCAD’s 2011 Senior Fashion Show, Wednesday, April 27th. Featuring Fashion Design Instructor Richard Hurley and senior Sung Kim the show shined a spotlight on CCAD’s Fashion Design Program program, the May 13 event, and the enormous talent of CCAD students.

Check it out at on 10TV’s website.

There are still a handful of tickets avialable at www.ccad.edu/fashion.

Photo courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch.

Major Columbus College of Art & Design supporter Loann Crane, after whom the Loann Crane Center for Design is named, was honored yesterday for her community involvement and achievement at the YWCA’s annual Women of Achievement Awards.

In an interview with WBNS-TV anchor Andrea Cambern, Crane said that growing up during the great depression has contributed to her need to give back. “I can remember my father coming home and saying in a kind of defeated way, ‘A good man can’t get a job,’” Crane said. “The kind of philanthropy that my parents were involved in was they had to slip somebody a couple of dollars.”

Watch Cambern’s interview of Crane here.

Crane served on CCAD’s board of trustees from 1998–2009, bringing her wisdom and leadership to the college during a transformational period of growth. She was among the lead donors of the college’s Creative Drive campaign and included her family in the Creative Drive gift that named the Loann Crane Center for Design.

Chavilah Bennett, a junior majoring in Advertising & Graphic Design and CCAD student body president-elect, was in the audience when Crane received the Lifetime Achievement Award. She said, “I’m in that building all the time and see her name every day. It’s amazing to see her in person—and knowing more about her really inspires me to do something as significant with my life as she has done with hers.”

Crane has diligently worked on behalf of many organizations, including the Columbus Museum of Art and the Greater Columbus Arts Council. She was a founder of the Women’s Fund, where she has promoted women’s issues and quality of life, serving the interests of more than 800,000 women and girls in Central Ohio.

Learn more about Loann Crane and the rest of the Crane family on the Crane Group’s website.

Betsy Munn & Andrea Cambern

When we asked local celeb/WBNS-10TV anchor Andrea Cambern to emcee CCAD’s Fashion Show again, we decided to sweeten the deal. This year, Ms. Cambern will be wearing a one-of-a-kind, custom-tailored garment from CCAD senior fashion designer Betsy Munn.

Let me just say, Andrea has been a really good sport about the whole process. To ensure a perfect fit, she has to go through being poked and prodded and measured and fussed over for a number of sessions—measuring, blocking, fitting, refitting, and final touches. And if you’re as confused about all of this as I am, don’t worry. I’ve had a lot of help in breaking the process down.

Betsy Munn measures Andrea Cambern

During the first fitting, Andrea stood, arms out, while Fashion Design Chair Suzanne Cotton rattled off a list of 15 or so odd measurements for Betsy to take—around the neck, shoulder to shoulder, high shoulder to apex, center of shoulder to waist, etc. And, just as I began to figure out what most of that meant (I didn’t even know I had an apex, let alone where it is), Ms Cotton said “now, we’re going to start her back.” Wait, what?

Betsy Munn & Andrea Cambern

Once all the measurements were taken, Betsy began blocking the dress. Think of blocking like this: she used a thin fabric to make a cast of Andrea’s body. Seems simple, right? Not quite. Betsy had to translate all those measurements we were talking about into a garment, one that is intended to fit perfectly over every inch of the human form. The block then had to be fitted to Andrea.

Up until show time, Betsy will finish crafting Andrea’s garment, meet with her for the first fitting, adjust, meet again for the final fitting, and—just when you’d think it would be done—there’s the inevitable meeting for final touches. Oh, and did I mention Betsy has two other garments walking the runway and another to finish by the end of the school year?

Rainbow Row, Charleston, SC

‘So, tell me about this garment?’ Well, I don’t want to give too much away, but I will tell you this—Betsy was inspired by Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a colorful row of Georgian homes that were transformed from neglected slum to pastel landmark in the 1930s. Interpret that as you may.

But, if you want to see firsthand the finished garment on the stunning Ms. Cambern, tickets for the May 8 event can be purchased at www.ccad.edu/fashion.

Until next time, cheers!