School of the Art Institute of Chicago showcases fashion design students

This past weekend, the fashion crowd gathered for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) fashion show. Students showcased their collection at the show inspired from intimate personal experiences and social issues.

The show was at Venue Six10 at the Spertus Institute, where students were able to feature their collections on runways for their shows. "Eight hundred miles from the ready-to-wear capital of New York City, Chicago offers the freedom to explore fashion without limits," said Anke Loh, Sage Foundation Chair of SAIC's Fashion Design department. "That freedom was made especially evident in this year's show in the range of issues represented by student designs, from stories of immigration and displacement to gender roles, identity, and equality." The show ranged from avant-garde garments to rebellious and whimsical designs.

Continuing the tradition of an annual fashion show by its students, this served as the school’s 83rd annual fashion show. Student designs showed to a crowd of approximately 500 at the Spertus Institute. The show, which took place May 5, featured designs from 20 emerging designers including Anna Loosli, Oscar Chen, and many more. As an established institution, U.S. News and World Report have cited the school as a leader as one of the top three graduate fine arts programs. With an emphasis on arts and fashion, notable alumni of the SAIC fashion design program include Cynthia Rowley, Halston, Gary Graham, and Maria Pintoamong others.

Photo: Jim Prinz for SAIC