Linda Kenney

Plano Senior High School Fashion Design Instructor Bonnie Turnbo was surprisingly cool and calm as she waited for the opening collection of Premier, the end of year runway show presented by Fashion Design II. Of course, Bonnie had insider information about the 17 student designers. Their talent and work ethic created a synergy for the semester-long project where ideas, patterns, drafting, sewing, and fittings were de rigueur.

And so it was, as the lights dimmed at the Doyle Dean Performing Arts Center, a panorama of brilliant colors and splendid fashions dazzled the audience. Collections covered all temperaments of design from edgy to classic. Casual, carefree styles were juxtaposed with formal gowns. Brilliant color gave way to somber black. Clearly, independent ideas and thinking were in evidence. A panel of judges critiqued the collections; the top three are showcased here. Judging was based on four criteria: Are the garments well constructed and display a finished appearance? Are there unique details and accessories? Does it all come together for a total look? Are the garments wearable? The collections were inspired and well executed; judging was a difficult task.

View a Slideshow





The Top Collections

In designing a striking collection, Rachel Ruhman relied on a strong sense of design and the sewing skills she learned from her grandmother. The brights of Haute Tropic were inspired by the colors of summer. Rachel will attend Texas Tech University majoring in apparel design and manufacturing.

Feminine dresses with rich fabric choices and affectations were the preferences of Mary Walton, who designed Forever Young. She was inspired by traditional dresses of the past, but with a modern twist. Mary plans to study fashion design and merchandising at the University of North Texas this fall.

Katy Perry, the color black, and the desire to be different were the inspirations for Extraterrestrial, the final selection for the Top Collections. Designed by Ridha Ahmad, it featured black dresses of varying lengths with unique detailing. Ridha plans to attend Collin College this fall majoring in psychology and visual communications.

Student designers and collections included Kelsey Jones, Southern Belle Charm, E Roo Kim, Lovely Vintage; Mykala Taylor, Age Up; Xinyue (Joey) Zhang, The Innocent Crime; Danielle Deraleau, Black and White and Red All Over; Nicole Waters, City Designs; Alex Miranda, Avant Off Garde; Jocelyn Villela, Everything but the Ordinary; Tinea Lacy, Fetish; Sofie Kyhnel, Pretty Tough; Erika Jacobo, Night Out; Vanesa Garcia, On the Edge; Amy Ulloa, Fallen Angels, 7 Deadly Sins; and Allison Gaughan, Once Upon a Time.

Makeup by Jon Parker of Salon Republic