Have you ever made a wonderful yet spontaneous creation with kiddie scissors and some construction paper at the behest of one of the most prominent Creative Directors in the world? Well, I sure have, and so did tens of other SCAD Students who eagerly gathered in the SCAD Museum of Art courtyard for SCAD Style’s kick-off event. The week started with a colorful bang when Marni’s Creative Director, Francesco Risso, bestowed an innovative challenge upon the enthusiastic crowd. “Create something out of nothing.” Risso simply instructed as everyone silently plotted the best path to the glue sticks. When the 50-minute timer began, chaos ensued as the yarn table was mobbed, and an electric Project Runway-like energy filled the air. Students set to work crafting anything and everything from purses to complete ensembles. Everyone was abuzz with a sense of excitement, imagination, and, most notably, unbridled joy.
Those feelings carried on throughout the week as industry icons gave insight and advice on surviving the pandemic, self-expression in a commercial environment, and the future of fashion media. Risso stressed the importance of community and connection, stating that garments must “have a life” and that the ideal design process values humanity. Our instinctual human connection inspires him to push the boundaries of fashionable experimentation. Of course, it’s not always polka dots and peonies. There was a time last November when Risso felt “blocked” and “clustered” by the industry. However, instead of abandoning the ship, he and the Marni family decided to try something new. “I’ll try until I’m dead,” Risso stated as he discussed deconstructing the conventional ideation process and instead getting inspiration from a place of instinct and honesty.
Danial Aitouganov and Imruh Asha, the founders of up-and-coming French luxury brand Zomer, also emphasized the importance of community. “Find your collaborators! It’s never a one-man show.” Asha expressed as he shared a laugh with his long-time creative partner. Aitouganov also cemented the importance of creative freedom and discussed the struggles he faced going from fashion school to luxury fashion houses, saying, “Senior year is one of the last times you can listen to your own desires.” Zomer sprung from this need for increased self-expression and desire for a continuous collaborative relationship with Asha. But where is the brand headed? Well, the founders say they’re now focused on defining Zomer. Who is the customer? What does the brand’s community look like? Keep a careful eye on Paris Fashion Week, and we may soon find out.
Wes Gordon, current Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, made a surprise appearance at the Savannah campus for a quick masterclass before popping back to Atlanta to receive the Étoile Award. The conversation, led by Dean Dirk Standen, revolved around Gordon’s journey with the brand but also with himself. It wasn’t an easy task to come onto such an established brand. He needed to keep the classic DNA while reaching out to a younger audience, so Gordon established what his Herrera looked like. “It is color, and joy, and optimism,” he stated, furthering the sentiment by saying he wants his clothing to serve as opportunities for happiness. Gordon’s final piece of advice touched on staying true to your design style’s uniqueness. “Find out who you are on the inside and amplify that. That’s what matters.”
Though only a short three days, SCAD Style restored my faith in the industry. Usually, people at the top of the fashion ladder tend to be removed from their customers, feeling almost inhuman from an outside perspective. However, every journalist, creative director, editor-in-chief, designer, and founder who shared their time and guidance had a warm and inspirational energy. They were eager to discuss current issues with the upcoming generations and explore the future of the industry. Joshua Glass, the moderator of the Zomer panel and founder of Family Style, was eager to respond when I asked about the future of fashion media. “It is no longer autonomous,” he stated as he reflected on how the realm used to be. “The power is now in the hands of the creatives,” and “The power of print is still important! Print is still the first point of contact,” he declared as Glass vigorously nodded and wholeheartedly agreed (*cough wouldn’t it be so cool and important for SCAD Student Media to have print?). With so many passionate voices advocating for pure joy at the helm of the fashion realm, I can’t wait to see what the future seasons and creatives bring.
Words by Miia Popovics.
Graphic by Eve Friday.