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.)