Pratt Fashion Show 2014 - Award Winners

Congratulations to all of the graduates of Pratt Institute Fashion, Class of 2014! Last night was a celebrated evening for all of the talented designers, seasoned and new.

First, Stephen Burrows received the Lifetime Achievement award from longtime friend, legendary model Pat Cleveland.  My favorite, Byron Lars received the Fashion Visionary Award from modern style icon, actress Angela Bassett.  Also notable are the fact that both winners are the first African American designers to be honored for the Pratt Fashion awards.

Fellow fashion VIPs were on hand to support the new class and award winners like Catherine Malandrino, Fern Mallis and Stan Herman.

I am going to post more graduate collections from Pratt in the next few days, but first, here is Julia Wollner.  She was the winner of the Liz Claiborne Award for her achievement in concept to product.  Her collection had a clean, high-tech aesthetic.  The group looked to contain white fabric basics paired with digitally printed art on vinyl.

Our own Mdivani Monroe interviewed Fashion Visionary Byron Lars and style icon Angela Bassett:

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Irish Fashion Night and Artist of the Light - THEIA & Roisin Fitzpatrick

The next capital of style?  The Consulate General of Ireland hosted an evening to highlight the creative accomplishments of their own.  Don O'Neill's collection THEIA was highlighted.  He has often drawn from stories of his native Ireland in his work. The fushia gown at the top was embroidered with intricate Celtic patterns inspired by the Book of Kells.  THEIA, the collection's namesake was the Goddess of Light.  Fans now include the First Lady of Ireland, Sabina Higgins. 

To complement the stellar gowns of the night, the work of Roisin Fitzpatrick was featured.  Ms. Fitzpatrick is known as the "Artist of the Light" after surviving a near-death experience.  Her canvases consist of natural silk embroidered with Swarovski crystals with vortex and celestial patterns.  

Guests of the event enjoyed Irish treats, with Lily O'Brien's chocolates a particular favorite.  Celebs like Angela Bassett and Melyssa Ford looked terrific in Theia dresses and admired the show.

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