Fashion design struts on the cat-walk

By Emily Lockwood
Staff Writer

Priscilla Ratcliff’s 3rd and 4th period fashion design classes will be presenting this year’s annual fashion show at Mira Costa with some style and flare.

Separated into beginning and advanced groups, advanced students are expected to make a collection with at least four garments that have a cohesive and organized theme while beginners learn the basics.

“Each year, the designers put together a look book,” Ratcliff said. “From there, they start to design a collection consisting of four garments.”

This “look book” consists of clippings from the September issue of Vogue, which is the biggest issue of the year. In addition to the look books, the designers also have to attend weekly meetings to solidify details about the show.

Designers of Manhattan, the fashion club, meets in room 112 every Monday at lunch to discuss the weekly updates and the ideas for the upcoming fashion show. They talk about various aspects like what act deserves to open the show and the overall itinerary of the show.

“During these meetings, the students involved with the fashion show come together and discuss ideas and concerns regarding the fashion show,” Ratcliff said.

Designers must pick models to walk in the fashion show from fellow students at Mira Costa. The chosen models attend the rehearsals, are fitted to become comfortable with what they are wearing and learn the sometimes difficult choreography.

“The fashion show is a great way for students who are interested in the business to experience something like this,” sophomore Olivia Waldorf said.

Unfortunately, designers do most of their work behind the scenes which does not give them the exposure that the models receive. After the last model of the collection walks, the designer follows suit and walks down the runway wearing one of his or her own clothing or accessory pieces.

The school fashion show prepares the students for the fashion world. Through this experience, students will understand and learn what it takes to be a successful fashion designer.

“I want the students to get a real life experience from the fashion show,” Ratcliff said. “This will show them that this is a tough industry to be in and that they have to really apply themselves.”