Yesterday, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) welcomed friends and fashion lovers to their 79th annual fashion show. Fashion 2013 featured over 300 original garments from SAIC sophomores, juniors, and seniors, who showcased their work on a 90-foot runway in Millennium Park.
Students presented their collections in three shows throughout the day culminating in THE WALK 2013, an annual benefit supporting the production of student work and scholarships. More than 50 professional models from Factor Runway helped bring the looks to life, including one bedazzled by presenting sponsor Swarovski. SAIC students and faculty collaborated on every aspect of the runway show from design to soundscapes. The captivating avant-garde collections drew inspiration from everything ranging from whimsical confections, to gas masks and grunge, to Chicago itself.
Design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte were honored with the Legend of Fashion Award, presented by SAIC President Walter Massey. SAIC also introduced the Heart of Fashion Award which and awarded Melissa Sage Fadim as its first recipient.
With a Fashion Design program whose alumni include Cynthia Rowley, Maria Pinto, and Halston, SAIC’s students are in good company. As Kate Mulleavy advised in Rodarte’s acceptance speech, “You never really stop being a student.”
View more looks from The Walk 2013 at Chicagoist.
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
