“FAST Rebirth Fashion Show,” Caliber Style

This is an article by Anisa Young with photos by Gina Tai

With the theme of “Rebirth,” the fall 2011 FAST show brought Cal back from the brinks of fashion death. Corny but true, it is always astonishing, not to mention incredibly hard to believe, that a group of students designed these collections, especially during a school semester! Can you say “overachieving Cal students” much? Fabulously.

The show, broken up into three segments, focuses on each designer’s visual interpretation of the theme through at least three consecutive looks. 11 designers, 11 collections, 11 completely different look at the theme shows the spectrum of creativity, skills, and efforts put into each one.

Here is a quick run down of the night’s collection, and instead of the usual spiel, we’ve carefully concocted a shortened version of the night’s event; short, direct, and no fuss, that’s how we hit the spot.

Segment 1

The Little Golden Age by Sarah Mount: A sweet collection honing in on the sweet styles of the 1960s. With bright, bold fall colors, it is easy to swoon for Mount’s vintage silhouette with a modern touch.

Under Amor by Amy Newsome & Jess Genevieve Bailey (Not Pictured): Although not pictured and only a 3-piece collection, Under Amor is a strong crowd favorite. The structured top resembled that of armor which created the illusion of strength, and the billowing long skirts adds just the right hint of femininity.

Armor Engaged by John Going: Where architecture meets fashion, Going’s collection uses normal, everyday materials like paper to create something mind blowing. A serious mind fuck that’s like crack for the eyes, the collection resembled that of a mind illusion.

We Are Small by Jennifer Huang: This is what I imaged a fashion designer on LOST would design. Gorgeous in it’s simplicity, the nets and pieces of leaves add a seriously romantic touch to the destruction and decay that inspired designer Huang.

Segment 2

Organisms by Ryan Roschke: A darker collection, Roschke’s looks have a superhero-esque feel. The winning piece seems to be the cape; ordinary at a glance but within seconds, it’s true nature is revealed as the underside featured a gorgeous print. Now doesn’t that sound like a superhero?

Fall 2011 by Sherrie Hang: A 6-piece collection featuring lace and pearls seems like it would be a classy affair but designer Hang used the materials in a way that accentuated the bridal attire in another direction. This is what I would like to call “naughty virgin on her wedding day,” which is a total compliment. You’re welcome Sherrie!

From The Ashes by Jane Luo: Using the blush toned color palette, Luo’s collection tells a fascinating story through the progression of both colors, from light blush to raging red, and the movement from soft silhouettes to strong bold statements.

Maganda by Christine Fukushima: Only Fukushima would be able to make crazy cheetah prints cohesive in a collection that is both innovative and original. Silky fabric and eye-catching outfits makes this collection very wearable, the whole intent of the collection.

Segment 3

An Assemblange by Kristyn Hom: Structuring a collection around a variety of materials, the end product was one of amazement. The first dress, my favorite of the night, with the entire construction of the dress being made out of wood scrapes, it was one to remember. The collection had its moments when it reminisced Lady Gaga but, then again, it was light years better.

Roots Removable by Soazig Kaam: Fun, flirty and colorful, Kaam’s collection was full of fun shapes and costume-like colors and patterns. It was a bright, fun, bubbly collection that was a definite crowd pleaser.

Colorless by Jaymie Ngov: With the inspiration being jellyfish and Rorschach ink blot tests, the dark, mysteriously sultry collection, with its shimmery feel and flowy tails was the perfect closing collection for the show.

Overall, as Jay-Z would say, “That shit cray!”