#NYFW Art Institute Student and Graduate Collections Spring 2015

Always a pleasure to see the students and graduate continuing students in the Art Institutes Fashion Design Program. The level of creativity and innovation, not to mention flair, is what's part of the necessisity to be a great designer (also media and commerce but I digress). The best part of the show when the blairing music comes on and the models showcase the sketches that come to life. Not to mention the showgoers cheering at the end when the designers appear with their final models.

The list of designers this time around are: Jose Medina, Michael Tornato, Cecil Dove, Charles Anthony & Flavia Nunez, Nareesa Shorter, Lavan Chxeidze, Kibonen Nfi, Yohanna Gursey, Joshuan Aponte, Angelo Rosa, Nassim Shadmani, and Tory Van Thompson.

I definitely recognize Joshuan Aponte from the Fall 2014 Student Collection series, If anyone remembers his avant garde silverly glamour large bubble jacket! I do. (Click on Art Institutes link in the bottom to see what he did last season).

To my delight, there was some very nice influences and fun silhouettes for spring.

This look by Angelo Rosa is so egdy and leans on the idea of silhouetted separates. A nice loose yellow leather pants I never thought could happen in spring but could be a good addition to any 80s lover's closet.

Another look, this time by Cecil Dove. Very avant garde reminds me of a cross between Rick Owens and Jean Paul Gaultier. I love the asymmetric sheer fabric play against the satin pants.

Another amazing look by Charles Flavia, the level of geometry work and stitching on this looks fantastic. Reminds me of a cross between Vena Cava, Prada, and Delpozo. Its a little mod, geometric, and fun. But the silhouette and the out of the box shape is truly what makes fashion fun.

Another favorite look of mine, this one by Jose Medina. Reminds me of House of Holland in a way. The garter like cutaway of hte dress and the silver band accessories add to the idea of this modern warrior that isnt afraid to take a fashion risk.

My favorite as usual, Joshuan Aponte. He shows a sporty cut crop top alla Peter Som/Alexander Wang in the fabulous lusterious coral top. Then with the career wear casual cement colored shorts is incredible. Not to mention the lace up heels.

Love this Kibonen Nfi look. I love the flowing silhouette of this piece, not the mention the addition of the scarf, I love this.

Amazing look by Lavan Chxeidze, for men. The shredded cut of the shirt, I love the basic pairing of the grey duster cardigan and black shorts. Its effortlessly cool without even trying. The addition of the beads looks like he is going to a rager. Love it :)

Another cool look this time by Michael Tornato. I am a sucker for stripes and this pirate esque urbanite look is really amazing. :)

Love this look by Nareesa Shorter. This look is sheer elegance and is reminiscent of an ice skater style of silhouette. I love the layering cuts and the cream color. Its just so amazingly clean. :)

This look by Nassim Shadmani took my breath away. This felt like minimalistic haute couture if that makes any sense. :)

Love this look by Tory Van Thompson. I love the hat with this look, alla Pharrell and cowboy chic. The short bottom reminds me of the shape and illusions of the scottish kilt. Paired with a nicely constructed white shirt, can be a confident man.

Lastly this look by Yohanna Gursey is the quintessential summer chic. The asian influence designed wrap top alla Diane Von Furstenberg in the salmon and pastel pink shades wiht a pair of dainty and smart crop pants, is perfection.

Honestly, the Art Institute Student Designers never disappoint me, they seem to breathe new life into the emerging industry that has become a little stale in some aspects but they are the emerging designers of tomorrow. Its good to foster and examine such talent. Im proud to always be invited to see it.

~Kaye Beeh