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| Manuela Di Prima |
NEW YORK, January 23, 2012—Bergdorf Goodman, Christian Louboutin, and Parsons The New School for Design have collaborated to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the famed footwear brand through a design competition of talented young alumni from the school. Each participant is creating a look inspired by a shoe from the new Christian Louboutin 20th Anniversary Capsule Collection. The Capsule Collection, which embodies iconic themes from the past 20 years, will premiere at Bergdorf Goodman on January 31, in conjunction with a personal appearance by Christian Louboutin.
“I work with many young designers and I believe that it is in the order of natural things for a more mature designer to help a younger one. Thinking of my journey, I was helped in the beginning by people in a very nice way and this project with Parsons and Bergdorf Goodman is a way to give back and nurture a new generation of talent,” said Christian Louboutin.
The five recent Parsons graduates that will participate in the showcase were chosen by Christian Louboutin and Linda Fargo, SVP, Fashion Office and Store Presentation, Bergdorf Goodman, from a pool of 20 finalists. The looks will be unveiled at the Christian Louboutin 20th Anniversary event at Bergdorf Goodman, and then will remain on view on the store’s main floor from February 2–8.
"Christian's shoes clearly ignite fantasies in both the women who buy them, and certainly in the alumni who used these iconic shoes to inspire their designs,” said Linda Fargo.
The featured designers are Isaias Arias ‘10, Joanna Baker ‘10, Vivian Graf ‘10, Hyeyoung Kim ‘10, and Manuela Di Prima ’11.
“This is an important opportunity for our young alumni to showcase their work at one of the leading fashion retailers, and in collaboration with one of the top design labels. These types of partnerships are integral to the educational experience at Parsons,” said Simon Collins, dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons.
The following is a preview of each of the designer’s looks:
Isaias Arias, Parsons BFA Fashion Design, 2010
Inspiration: Rose Du Desert
When I saw the shoe, my mind immediately traveled to the era of the Roman Empire. I wanted to capture in my dress some of the raucous energy of the Coliseum, with its pageantry and theatricality. I chose to use double-faced lambskin to help evoke the primal nature of my vision. But I also wanted to make it contemporary, fun, dark and sexy.
Joanna Baker, Parsons AAS Fashion Design, 2010
Inspiration: Alta Dentelle
I have always collected beautiful images and when I received my shoe inspiration I immediately thought of the cover image from the November issue of Vogue Mexico, which features a dress with long panels that reveal a bodysuit. I imagined a look that was feminine, daring, and a bit over the top, with a stain and tulle overlay and chiffon and lace train.
Manuela Di Prima, Parsons AAS Fashion Design, 2011
Inspiration: Armadillo Bride
As an Italian who loves shoes, theatre and film, I absolutely love Mr. Louboutin’s chic-sexy-theatrical vision. I wanted to celebrate the brand, so all my ideas revolved around giving emphasis on the signature red soles, which meant using red in a subtle way, just the way Christian Louboutin uses it. I played mostly with the colors of the classic black-gray Armadillo shoe and added just a little touch of color, as well as a celebrate the Louboutin brand in a dramatic way.
Vivian Graf, Parsons AAS Fashion Design, 2010
Inspiration: Lady Gres
This iconic shoe seems to be inspired by Madame Gres, particularly the pleats, which are a Madame Gres signature and also used in the shoe. Drawing on my love of knitwear, the dress features knitted pleats with a pale rose and black intarsia pattern. Orange lines in the front and back of my design connect the historic Madame Gres dress and my design, like the historic and the new shoe are connected with color and look. I also decided to do a top with an uneven cast-off hem that layers over the skirt to emphasize the concept.
Hyeyoung Kim 2010 BFA
Inspiration: Isabelle
When I received the shoe, I was beyond excitedand inspired; I was already sketching in my head. From colors, design, and print, there were so many design elements that I could translate into my own garment. First I knew that I would be using a print in my garment, and collected flower images and created the print. I really wanted this to be the main pop of the garment. Also, I wanted to incorporate the signature red of Christian Louboutin, which I used for the lining of the jacket.
About Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman, founded by master tailors Edwin Goodman and Herman Bergdorf, is located on the corner of New York’s Fifth Avenue and 58th Street, the former site of the Cornelius Vanderbilt mansion. Bergdorf Goodman: The pinnacle of style, service, and imagination, since 1901.
About Parsons The New School for Design
Parsons The New School for Design is a global leader in design education, with programs that span the disciplines of design and the fine arts. With the launch of the first fashion design program in America in 1906, Parsons is credited with the rise of Seventh Avenue, the epicenter of American fashion. Parsons has educated generations of leading American fashion designers, including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Tracy Reese, Narciso Rodriguez and Anna Sui; and rising talents Cushnie et Ochs, Prabal Gurung, Derek Lam, Ohne Titel, Thakoon Panichgul, Proenza Schouler, Vena Cava, Alexander Wang, and Jason Wu. For more information, visit www.newschool.edu/parsons.
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