UTT TOP PERFORMER by Rochelle Rahim
Eclectic - ‘deriving ideas, style, or taste
from a broad and diverse range of sources’, also, the theme for 2017’s UTT Senior Thesis Fashion Show. From ‘The Destruction of the Natural Environment’ to preparation for the ‘Apocalypse’, dramatic collars, bold shoulders and origami inspired pieces the influences from all over the world, different fashion eras and detailed research were clear to see . I only wish I had seen more shapes and movement. While the pieces were creative, appealing and inspiring, they didn’t tell a story or at least a complete story. Some had a start and a finish but no middle. The good thing about this for me however is that these are upcoming designers and as time goes by the will learn to perfect their craft and learn to tell the most unbelievable stories that I know they can. One of these upcoming designers has also been awarded ‘Student of the Year.’ Chosen based on their ability to demonstrate how well they know their brand and performance throughout their four (4) formal fashion training years at the CAFD, this year’s ‘Student of the Year’ has an aesthetic I can only describe as avant-garde with a dash of couture. His name is Adrian Wilson. Adrian’s love of texture, volume of the loudest levels and intricate details allow this upcoming designer to transform any piece of fabric from static to dynamic. Enhanced by flared shapes, illusions using lines, stripes and complex seams, his designs are given personalities of their own. His Tomb Raider/ Lara Croft-esque collection ‘Apocalypse’ uses lines and a monochrome palette to transport the wearer to the forefront of the final showdown before disaster, chaos and destruction ensues.
FASHIONFOCUS 24 / Issue 3 - I CAN CREATE
The fact that our fashion industry is still in developing stages I really wanted to know what Adrian would like to contribute and I couldn’t have been more proud of his answer. Explaining that we currently see fashion as a form of entertainment, he’s adamant that proper education and the allocation of resources are what we need to become a fully functional, revenue producing industry. What he hopes to gather is the relevant knowledge and expertise to be able to impart this on anyone wishing to enter the industry. Attributing inspiration for his pieces to countries outside of the Caribbean and futuristic movies, Adrian also hopes to work with international designers to gather more experience, delve into different cultures and acquire the knowledge of different styles. Having won this award there’s a vast expanse of unknowns for Adrian to explore in the fashion space both locally and abroad. His potential announces itself in his humility and determination to not just do more but to learn more and I’m so excited to see what he accomplishes for the future.
To all the students of the Graduating Class of 2017 –congratulations and remember that you are limitless!