Philly Fashion Week has come and gone and it was a big success for our students that were capping off their journey at Made Institute. The event was an opportunity for the students that many people will not be able to experience. They designed and constructed their own collection which walked the runway during the top nights of Philly Fashion Week. The graduates encountered the stresses that come with any runway show - from last minute alterations to quick changes between looks. They also got to feel the relief that comes after having an impactful show and a platform to express themselves through clothing.
This graduating class of designers have a road of possibilities available to them. On the Friday of Philly Fashion week two student collections walked the runway. Shayla McMichael was the first to present her brand Soluna Lingerie. Shayla’s designs utilized fun and glistening fabrics with asymmetric yet timeless cuts. It was a playful collection of very cheeky intimates, geared towards a woman who owns her uniqueness.
You can find Soluna lingerie at Solunalingerie.com @solunalingerie
Photography by David Budnick: @db.dng
Theresa Bajulaiye debuted Adeola Atelier which is a premier evening wear brand that focuses on custom couture garments, designed with bright exotic textiles and embellished with heavily stoned appliqué. The designs are made to enhance the female physique and emphasize the importance of creative elegance for special events.
Discover Adeola Atelier at @AdeolaAtelier and www.adeolaatelier.com
Photography by Barry Bush: @barryp_photography
Rosemary Schwartz launched her brand Edaalia, which is an exciting meld of Bollywood and the Great Gatsby! She collaborated with a Philly based shoe brand named Llani for her models to glide and shimmy down the catwalk. Her collection was exuberantly colorful, vibrant, and embellished.
Read more about their collab here: Llani x Edaalia - Worldly shoes for the Philadelphia Runway
You can find Edaalia at @edaaliaworld and edaalia.myshopify.com
Photography by David Budnick: @db.dng and Jamir Philips: @senseijam
Dalton Deatrick showed his budding brand Roadhaus Market. His debut collection is self-described as “ethereal maximalism, rich in concept but simple in construction, inspired by the loud and nostalgic colors from my youth”. His collection featured a mix of menswear and womenswear with a contemporary yet retro feel. It was a total showstopper from this ‘’foul-mouthed Dolly Parton fan’’!
Dive into Roadhaus at @roadhaus_market
Photography by David Budnick: @db.dng
Emily Henry presented her brand Emilee Atelier, which is a playful, spunky, clothing brand that is designed for the life of the party. She reinvents garments and fabrics into modernized luxury statement pieces. My favorite look was the upcycled denim pants with pink sheer ruffles attached mid calf, flaring out for that stage performer impact.
Check Emilee Atelier out at @emileeatelier and www.Emileeatelier.com
Photography by David Budnick: @db.dng
My experience at Philly Fashion week was a very unique one!
I was able to take pictures behind the scenes and in the press pit allowing me to see the duality of how a show comes together. The first night I jostled for my spot in the press pit, taking pictures with a flock of other photographers that were hoping to get the perfect shot. The second night, I became a fly on the wall, witnessing both staff and students pull together to give every model, look and collection their time to shine. It opened my eyes to the complexities of running a show and presenting a collection to the world for the first time.
Student Editor: Jamir Philips
Looking to launch your first collection at Philly Fashion Week too? Apply to our Designer Development Program here: Online Admissions
