Author Archives: MARK E.

About MARK E.

I'm a young man that appreciates the beauty found in everyday things. My aesthetic is similar to that of my "unofficial" mentor Miss Tracy Reese, in other words, lots of colour. Nothing riotous, just a thoughtful approach to modern dressing...

Allow Me to (Re)Introduce Myself…

Hello Fashionistas,

In the spirit of giving, I thought it would be cool to pass this blog over to a dear friend of mine and participant of the “Future of Fashion” show. Introducing Miss Allyssa Collura, hailing from upstate New York!

OSMOSIS

OSMOSIS

Mark: How have you found the fashion show process while at F.I.T.?

Allyssa: I have found it to be really helpful. It is precision based and aids you greatly in learning the language of designers!

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

M: What are your main sources of inspiration?

A: Oh lord! I am such a nerd, biology coupled with bio-chemistry does it for me.

M: Whoa! Care to explain.

A: I find the curvilinear quality of things such as Hellenistic art, sculpture, and weaving beautiful.

 

RIPPING THE RUNWAY

RIPPING THE RUNWAY

M: Could you explain your creative process to me?

A: Sure. I really like abstract inspiration paired with technical things. To me this equates art.

M: What are your aspirations?

A: To make the best work I can. I would love to assist at a place like Alexander McQueen!

 

XoXo -Mark E.

“Murder Was The Case That They Gave Me” -Snoop Dogg

Hello Fashionistas,

Last week was a big one for all of us here at F.I.T. Say it with me, “jury time”! A lot of us were working around the clock and had time for very little.

And believe it or not, some of us didn’t even make it downstairs to the Great Hall for the jury to give our garment a verdict on whether or not it will be in the show.

Where did I stand in the midst of all this beautiful chaos? Upstairs, mad salty, (insert that line from Clueless from the driver’s ed scene) but alive to see another day and continue my thesis by year’s end.

MY PERSONAL JOURNAL...

MY PERSONAL JOURNAL…

The synopsis of my collection is the exuberance, opulence, and pure sophistication of the 1920s with an emphasis on “The Great Gatsby” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

So far, so good with my use of the finest cottons used for high-end mens shirting such as broad cloth and Oxford, along with the proper accents such as a silk taffeta with Ascot and cummerband. It was great to communicate so closely with vendors and place orders for send outs to save time on things such as pintucks and pleating. Don’t worry I still sewed my little heart out!

SENIOR THESIS LOOK NO.1

SENIOR THESIS LOOK NO.1

I will admit that the smell of defeat has grazed my skin just as much as a bottle of Yves Saint Laurent’s L’Homme Eau de Toilette spray, but the aroma has yet to become neutral. I am not sure of the lesson learned, but I do know this much, having a complete collection means a lot to me and will be so beautiful to behold in the end.

A SNEAK PEEK AT MY ROUGH SKETCHES...

A SNEAK PEEK AT MY ROUGH SKETCHES…

While the lucky few chosen to have their garments in the “Future of Fashion” show are scurrying about doing their fittings with professional models from some of the best modeling agencies in New York, the rest of us are nearing the end of our academic careers, finishing our senior thesis, and moving on to bigger and better things. Hard work pays off and I have a lot more to do so stay tuned…

 

XoXo – Mark E.

 

Mary Bobbins…

Hey Guys & Dolls,

It is officially one week until judging and things are going really well believe it or not. All of my contemporaries are holding their own and my pieces are being produced more efficiently than I would have thought. Now is the time for me to get to the nitty-gritty and show you the thought process and work that I went through.

Customer Profile & The Motion Picture

Customer Profile & The Motion Picture

I always design with a certain type of customer in mind and none the less what she wants in her wardrobe. My many years spent interning at some of America’s favorite design houses such as Anna Sui, Kay Unger, Kenneth Cole, Tracy Reese, and even working for Macy’s from the bottom up. Yup, sales associate, personal shopper, and lastly, private label intern this past summer, has really taught me a thing or two coupled with my in class learning. #GoTigers!

A Work In Progress...

A Work In Progress…

With The Great Gatsby scheduled to make its big screen debut this coming summer I thought it best to use them as inspiration. The 1920s was so rich in history, it oozed opulence, sophistication, and an elevated approach to everyday living. I hope you see the film when it comes to theatres. The show has awarded us so many opportunities from model fittings, in class photo shoots, and the chance to use faux fur!

 

Mood Board & Model of Choice & Original Sketch

Stay tuned to see if I make it into the Future of Fashion show…

 

XoXo- Mark E.

Mission (Im) Possible…

Hello Fellow Fashionistas,

I missed you dearly seeing as my only friend has been my dress form Naomi, for the past few weeks. On a positive note the first round of judging is two weeks away giving us all something to aspire to while a great sense of relief awaits us.

Since it has been my unofficial job to cheer people up, make them laugh, etc. I thought I would use this as an opportunity to introduce you to my world…

Walking the Halls

Walking the Halls

F.I.T. is a design school, and despite our lack of national coverage in magazines such as Cosmo, Seventeen, and the like, everyday here is a fashion show. Did I mention that professional models attend here as well. Shh… there a young lady here from the Marc Jacobs ad campaigns. #NotKidding

My Wife, Miss Rachel Roy

My Wife, Miss Rachel Roy

Someone who is really living the American dream and started from the bottom up is Miss Rachel Roy. Click here to see her in action and get an idea of what we are up to here on 27th street, minus the make-up tests and thought provoking hair ideas.

I hope you found this post insightful and downright uplifting. As they say “keep on trucking”!

 

XoXo – Mark E.

 

 

Spring Break Down…

We are officially on Spring break here at F.I.T., but for some of us it is merely the spring season, and you can see how that is going. It’s all good though because many of understand that with much success comes much sacrifice. And besides, you can always take a road trip with the guys and dolls of your so called life some other time.

My apologies for playing fairy god mother and guiding you along to a path of self discovery and acceptance into the Fashion Institute of Technology. Here is what some of you have been waiting for; the thesis I have been working on. Enjoy!

My Model of Choice Miss Jaunel McKenzie

My Model of Choice Miss Jaunel McKenzie

Our critic Miss Maggie Norris, thought it best to come up with a muse for our looks. Someone whom I have had my eye on, literally, (New York is a small place at times) is model Jaunel McKenzie from Kingston, Jamaica. She embodies my brand and would really complement the soft yet sophisticated colour palette that I am using very well.

A Sketch of My First Look

A Sketch of My First Look

This is a working sketch of what my look is for one of the two fashion show garments. Think menswear inspired details like pintucks, a high pressed collar, and french cuff links. There is even a drop waist, keeping it in accordance with the 1920s.

Let me know what you think. Who your favorite models are, periods in history, etc.

XoXo – Mark

 

In Living Colour…

 

Life as a fashion design major is many things, but to keep it short and sweet, it’s “Gone With the Wind Fabulous”. You are officially on your own and navigating the “The Wonder Years” in the middle of Manhattan.

The opportunity of meeting your business partner, soul mate, or even post college roommate is ripe for the taking. Always put ample time aside to complete your studies and success is sure to follow. Also in the fashion industry everybody knows everybody so be caring, kind, and not catty. Don’t believe me, ha, you’ll see.

Lastly, believe in yourself! Now is the time to stand up straight and to paraphrase Cher from Clueless, “wear your most capable looking outfits”. Be the young man or young woman who you have always aspired to be. Stick Rachel Roy’s photo on your dresser as a firm reminder if you have to, but never give up.

As always, I’ll be here if you need me. I know the tools of the trade and am not afraid to share.

 

XoXo – Mark

My Life by the Numbers…

Attending F.I.T. is pretty awesome and has awarded me some really cool opportunities. Attending Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, internships at design houses, and even much more. All that and more can be yours with much hard work, patience, and sacrifice. Here is my life by the numbers.

Dancing the Night Away...

A Reminder to Plan my Outfit for the Spring Formal

32: The number of fashion shows attended between freshman and senior year

5: Personal days claimed per semester for each class

3: Industry related jobs held in between programs

100: Professional connections made yearly

1: Nervous breakdown

A Mood Board for Another Personal Project

I find refuge in the versatility a nomadic lifestyle.

The fashion show component of my semester is going well. Today was the fitting and I was totally taken aback, none the less relieved when my garment draped perfectly on the fit model. No alterations needed! Next step, cutting out the fabric, sourcing notions and trims, and lastly, getting some sleep. Dark days are ahead, but the work WILL pay off come May. Ciao fashionistas!

My mentor Miss Tracy Reese & mother Anna Sui

The two ladies that constantly inspire me and serve as a reminder that hard work pays off in the world of fashion.

 

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself…

 

Hi Guys & Dolls,

My name is Mark and I am in my senior year at F.I.T., the best college ever! My concentration is special occasion, pretty things, anyone? I love it here and as will you, don’t be shy with your questions.

Nervous? Well don’t worry, I and the other bloggers are here for you. We were all 17 once, reading well, Seventeen and the likes of Teen Vogue before the all nighters and frequent trips to Mood fabric store came in. Click here to check out the home of Project Runway!

1920s Mood Board

Something I am currently working on

I am always working on new concepts and looking for ways to make my love of history, trends, and people relevant in my work. One tip for you aspiring fashionistas out there, start a journal filled with images, fabric, and even buttons that inspire you. Trust me, it pays off!

Keep in touch and let me know what you want to hear next!

XoXo – Mark