Pratt Institute’s senior fashion students presented their final collections to a sold out crowd at its 114th annual fashion show on April 25, where renowned American fashion designer Thom Browne received the 2013 Pratt Fashion Visionary Award from Vogue’s International Editor at Large Hamish Bowles. Browne, who was chosen by Pratt for his highly conceptual designs and impeccable craftsmanship, was celebrated immediately after the show at a cocktail benefit at The Top of The Standard. The event, which can be viewed on Pratt’s YouTube page, exceeded its fundraising goal, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships and Pratt’s Department of Fashion.
One outstanding graduating senior in the fashion program was recognized with the “Liz Claiborne Award – Concept to Product” at the end of the show. Presented to Madeline Gruen by Department of Fashion Chair Jennifer Minniti, this $25,000 award, funded by the Liz Claiborne & Art Ortenberg Foundation, will support Gruen’s creative entrepreneurial activities and help cover the costs of developing a collection post graduation.
Pratt annual fashion show was featured in many top-tier newspapers, magazines, and websites, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Women's Wear Daily. The show provided 17 graduating students with a platform to design, produce, and present cohesive and progressive collections that were pre-selected by a panel of industry experts. Representing a myriad of designs with distinct voices, collections ranged from five to eleven looks; all textile prints, surface applications, and embellishments were designed and hand-applied by each student. Structured silhouettes, futuristic patterns, and unique fabrics appeared on the runway and displayed technical and creative strength. Additional coverage can be found in New York Magazine, Style.com, Elle.com, Fashionista, and InStyle.com.