UN/CUT

In style city, young designers make it happen

By JOHN BARERA

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"It's funny you call us artists because we are designers," Bianca Mammone says when I put her on the spot about the upcoming Un/Cut, MassArt's senior fashion show. 'Mammone blurs the line between art and fashion by centering her design around winter spirits, snow queens and winter goddesses. She is just one of designers taking part in the annual fashion show, which this year features more fashionistas than ever before.

Pavlina Gilson draws inspiration from a more ancient source. A particular Morovian castle in her native Czech Republic curiously dominates her garment's. "When I look at it, I see so much unknown," Gilson says of the castle. Having managed to translate its architectural structure and materials directly have made her garments "click": interchangeable parts come on and off, fulfilling Gilson's goal of creating a garment that can morph into something unexpected. Drastic combinations of materials, textural embellishments and polished embroidery skills makes Gilson one of the stand-outs in this year's talented class.

Clean, curved and angled lines bring an art deco flare to Julienne Dang's work. Her 1930s eveningwear collection looks back on a women's newfound pursuit of freedom and happiness. Her use of light fabrics such as silk charmeuse, satin, organza and chiffon allow for even more movement and freedom. Alternatively, Andrea Hutchins' Collection, the Deans list perpetuates her love for British prep style—carrying male embellishments over to her women's wear. She presents a reinterpretation of the style's rigid formalities, bending and breaking the rules whenever possible

Prajjé Jean-Baptiste is the double threat here, making waves as fashion show producer and designer. He does many of his own successful runway shows, including the upcoming Fashion Exposé. He offers couture evening wear with a dramatic twist. Interior design of antique French opera houses plays an inspirational role, as well as the elegant dress of the theater-going women of the time.

Together, this group of young designers is clearly upping the stakes. Call them artists if you like, but it's clear that their inspiration is coming from unexpected places. Growing frustrated with the lack of stylish fashion opportunities in the city, Jean-Baptiste 'hopes to see some change in the city from the inside out. Rest assured, he says "There will be more dynamic shows happening." Until then keep an eye on these emerging names in the world of Boston fashion.

UN/CUT: SENIOR FASHION SHOW

FRI. 5.2

CYCLORAMA

BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

539 TREMONT ST.

BOSTON

617.879.7676

6:30PM/$25 PRE-PAID

MASSART.EDU