After a grueling 3 months of what some might compare to a fiery pit of hell, our garments were presented today to our critic, Flora Nikrooz.  I can not begin to explain the caliber of work that was on display.  Each garment was unique and truly depicted a part of the designer.  After a brief introduction with Ms. Nikrooz, we were asked to leave the room for an hour while the professor and our critic looked over our garments and decided what would continue on to judging on Wednesday.  After stuffing myself with pizza and a smoothie, I returned to the room feeling better than I had in a long time.  I was full, rested, and felt a large surge of accomplishment.  We were each taken into the room individually, where we were given feedback, suggestions, and told if one or both of our garments would be continuing.  Drum roll please… Both my garments are continuing onto judging on Wednesday!  Ms. Nikrooz was absolutely smitten with my Cotton ensemble and actually offered me a job on the spot!  Of course my mind was in no shape to make a decision like that on the spot, but I was extremely flattered by her words.  She said she truly feels that I am going to change this industry.  Can you ask for a greater compliment as a designer?

When everyone finished their critiques, the entire class was called back into the class for a few parting words, and the announcement of the critic award winner.  Ms. Nikrooz only had nice things to say about her experiences with us and our garments.  So did I end up with book-ends? (I already have a critic award trophy from the 4th semester Associates Exhibition)  No, but a big Congratulations is in order for Nathalie Quirin!  Her ensemble of black chiffon and peacock feathers won her the Critic Award for BFA!

Wednesday brings a new day of doing it all again.  We have to arrive at school at 7 AM to put our garments on the forms for judging.  Then we wait as the slowest and most grueling 48 hours of our lives passes by.  At some point on Friday, the magical list of those students who are in the Fashion Show will be posted.  One professor commented that it is the worst day to be at school because of all the upset and angry students.  I couldn’t agree more.  I intern on Friday, but maybe I’ll take my lunch break to come peak at the list, or just stop by after work.  Until then, I plan on the next few days being full of rest, relaxation, booze, and a hair cut.

I am including a short video scan of all the garments that were displayed today to the Critic. I think you will agree- they are “Beyond.”

Come one, come all, D-Day has arrived!  In a mere 11 hours, we will be completely done with our ensembles for the fashion show and en route to the nearest bar to celebrate.  This experience has truly brought us together not only as classmates, but also as drinking buddies.  I haven’t been to a bar since at least February, and am happy to say that comes to an end tomorrow!  There are many last minute details happening in the work room, but by 2 pm tomorrow there will be 34 completed garments in room C714… I hope. For those who have been following my progress from the beginning, I am including a video of my finished first and second ensembles.  We joke that one is the modern bride, and the other is the 1800′s bride. I’m sure you’ll be able to tell which is which.  For the world to see, here are the ensembles that have captured my creativity, tears, sweat, ambitions, and probably a small part of my soul.  Enjoy.

In my four years at FIT, it has been a rare occasion NOT to have to pull an all-nighter before a term garment is due.  But tonight I am proud to say, “I sleep.”