This past Thursday, seventeen of Pratt Institute’s most talented students took their first leap as young designers and presented their collections.  Prior to the show, there was a special dedication and award ceremony to present the infamous and extremely talented Fern Mallis with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was one she accepted with great pride, grace, humor, and gratitude.  It was presented by her longtime partner and friend, Calvin Klein.  It was quite spectacular to see the beauty of their relationship and consider how their collaborations throughout the years have truly shaped the industry.

Theresa Deckner

Juan Pozo

The styles ranged from preppy menswear and whimsical evening wear to the use of lights in dresses and cigarettes as an entire theme.  Hold on to your keyboards because you are in for a ride!  I’m just going to highlight some of my favorites, but for more information about the designers and sponsors, you can look here.

Kelsy Carleen Parkhouse

Huner Aldemir

Emily Kauffelt

Meredith Lyon

Overall, it was a heavy hitting night, one that drew inspiration I didn’t know I still had inside of me. It was beyond motivating to see this younger generation with such a strong point of view and dictation of fashion and style.  Beyond that, to devote their time and energy to design shows a great dedication and promise for the future of fashion. Congratulations, graduates!

Images courtesy of Shawn Punch.