On Sunday, September 28, the public was invited to the 2014 ManneqART Awards Gala at the Peter and Elizabeth Herowitz Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.
I was decked out in one of the dresses I created for my Senior Collection as a student and joined Fashion Design Department faculty members Ms. Sally DiMarco, Ms. Leah Aronhime, and Ms. Nicole Myrick.
Together we went to support one of the Fashion Design’s board members, Lee Anderson, the founder and president of ManneqART, who launched her second annual National Wearable Arts Competition.
Additionally, we proudly supported our very own student, Ms. Deneen Watson, the first from the Stevenson University’s Fashion Design Program, who received an award for the beautiful costume she created.
The Awards Gala was stunning and unlike any event I have ever been to. The evening began with a cocktail reception where one could enjoy a variety of savory finger foods, wine, and beer.
During this time, models mingled with guests as they ate, drank, and showed off their unique art sculptural costumes.
Guests were encouraged to take photographs of, and with, the beautiful wearable artworks. An hour of photographing models in their costumes, talking with their designers, and eating and drinking, we were invited into the theater to claim our seats and enjoy the presentation of the fifty winning costumes of this year’s competition. A mixture of models and dancers presented the pieces on stage though the art of storytelling.
Once the visual adventure, “Caterpillar’s Journey,” was complete, guests and models returned to reception area for delectable desserts and coffee.
This event was truly innovative and I am excited to see what designers create for next year’s competition.
For more information on past, present, and future themes please visit http://manneqart.org/