Finch gets fashionable Saturday as Threads crowd fills fieldhouse
Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you love.
That is Brandi Kimball's outlook on life. And her insight into the 11th annual Threads Fashion Show.
Clothes give people individuality, Kimball said, and since fashion is constantly changing, people should not shy away from experimentation.
"People should be open to anything and have fun," the Washington senior and co-producer said. "I (wanted) the audience to walk away with a sense of pride and be happy with what they've seen because this is what the designers learned."
A crowd of about 630 screamed and cheered for their favorite models and styles as they flaunted each step, leg in front of leg, down the catwalk. The Saturday event turned Finch Fieldhouse into a fashionista's paradise.
Belmont senior and designer Mary Zarzecki chose a 1800s Victorian-styled theme for her outfits after she was inspired during a Shakespeare festival internship.
"Since I was a senior in high school I have been designing," she said.
While she does not plan on wearing her feathered and heavily-zippered garments anytime soon, her philosophy is to just have fun and stretch the imagination.
"I could never wear this outfit anywhere," she said. "But if you're going to do something, do it big and put all your effort into it."
Three generations of women walked the runway, including model and Saginaw Valley student Amber Good, who, as the designer's daughter, strutted her stuff with ease.
Mother and designer Vicki Good used comfort and style in her designs, meant for students ranging from elementary school to college.
"I think my daughter and granddaughter had a lot of fun, I'm proud of how they showed their clothing, I think all of them did a great job," Vicki Good said, a non-traditional Brant sophomore.
Exemplifying the theme "trend fusion," a blend of 37 designers collections worked the runway. It was Unionville senior Matthew Bartels' first time designing for Threads, but he won four of the nine award categories, including "Fashion Designer of the Year."
Bartel's designs were inspired by South African tribal aesthetics, he said, coupled with futurism.
"I lived in Northern Africa for two years and my collection was based on Southern African motif," he said. "I just wanted to incorporate that."
Bartels said the hardest thing about designing is figuring out how to make something from scratch.
"That process was so fulfilling," he said. "When I see my finished design; and having people see your work is exciting."
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