Tag Archives: The Great Gatsby

“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.

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