| | Published August 29th, 2012
| Rising Fashion Stars in Lamorinda
| | By Moya Stone |  | | Photo Peter Goldie
|
Lamorinda's young fashion stars hosted their own fashion show August 19 at the Community Hall in the Lafayette Library. Twenty summer camp students from Sewnow in Lafayette, ranging in age from 7 to 16, sashayed down the runway in their own creations for the fashion studio's third annual show.
Former designer Susan Goldie, who opened Sewnow in 2006, said the end of summer fashion show is a way to showcase and celebrate these students' accomplishments.
Among the rising stars was 11-year-old Liz Messinger. She made a halter dress using a burnt orange print fabric. Messinger has been sewing for three years and hopes one day to have a career in fashion. "I really like having the skills to make special dresses," she said after the show looking chic donning her dress and a pixie hairdo.
Messinger and her fellow sewsters are off to a good start with what was an impressive array of fashions including skirts, dresses, hoodies, kimono-style robes and tote bags. Students were on top of the current color trend with orange a popular choice. Details like embroidered flowers, butterflies, and monograms on the totes reflected individual style. The hoodies had a new longer silhouette with added embroidery on the back and a colorful lining.
One of the hoodie creators was Izzy Pauletich. The 12-year-old appreciates sewing and creating because "it's yours." She's been sewing for three years and wants to continue to improve her skills.
Quilts were also part of the show and one was made by 11-year-old Catie Foley. She's been sewing for a year and says making quilts is her favorite. In addition to creating she also enjoys the people part of her classes. "I really like the social aspect of sewing," she commented.
The enthusiastic students say they enjoy all the steps of sewing from pinning to wearing, but for 11-year-old Harper Orr, it's drawing that attracts her. She says what's most fun is being able to make so many different things from her sketches.
But the show wasn't just about the clothes. Students had to learn how to walk down a runway with a certain sparkle and accessorize their outfits. Erica Chernne put together a unique look by sporting her tote over her head like a messenger bag and pairing her lime green skirt and white t-shirt with rain boots.
Beaming parents made up the audience that included Rachel Fracchia, who drove all the way from Rocklin to see her two daughters Isabella and Tuscany show off their wares. The sisters attended one week of camp while staying with their aunt who lives locally. Fracchia says the best part of the whole thing for her was seeing how proud her daughters were in their accomplishments.
Sewing is growing in popularity with kids and Goldie attributes that to a desire for individuality. "By designing and sewing your own garments," said Goldie, "you can make clothes that are modern and fun and that also fit the school dress code."
Moya Stone writes quarterly fashion column for Lamorinda Weekly and a fashion blog at www.overdressedforlife.com.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | Advertisement | | |
| | | print story
Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!) | | | Comments | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA