CREATiViTY
Introducing the exciting creations happening within the Fashion Technology program at Boston Arts Academy.
W H O W E A R E , W H A T W E D O
The Fashion Technology program's philosophy is based on the following key principles: innovation, design and fabrication, entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, artistic excellence and self-expression, which are crucial for success in the fashion industry
INNOVATiON: The program encourages students to explore new ideas and technologies that can revolutionize fashion It promotes thinking outside the box, challenging conventions, and seeking innovative solutions to industry challenges
DESiGN AND FABRiCATiON: Design and fabrication are at the core of the program's curriculum Students are not only encouraged to conceptualize innovative designs but also to bring them to life through hands-on fabrication techniques. They learn to work with various materials and technologies, mastering the art of turning creative concepts into tangible fashion pieces
ENTREPRENEURSHiP: The program actively nurtures students with entrepreneurial aspirations by offering guidance and resources to help them launch their own fashion-related ventures. Whether it's starting their own clothing line, launching a fashion tech startup, or pursuing other entrepreneurial endeavors, students receive mentorship and support to turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses
CULTURAL DiVERSiTY: The program values cultural diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment that integrates diverse influences from around the world Students are encouraged to draw inspiration from different cultures, promoting cross-cultural understanding.
ARTiSTiC EXCELLENCE: Excellence is a fundamental principle, emphasizing high standards in craftsmanship, design aesthetics, image skills development, and entrepreneurship Students are guided to develop a strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement
SELF EXPRESSiON: We believe fashion should be accessible to everyone; that creativity and diversity are essential in the fashion industry, and our goal is to provide a platform for our students to showcase their unique perspectives and designs. We are committed to promoting body positivity and self-confidence, recognizing the impact that fashion can have on one's self-esteem
The program also provides real-world experiences, such as professional photoshoots, internships, entrepreneurship opportunities and college and career initiatives to prepare students for the fashion industry and beyond. These photoshoots bridge the gap between the classroom and industry reality, allowing students to apply their creative ideas and adapt to real-world constraints They learn how technology can enhance the visual appeal of fashion and gain practical insights into the industry
The Fashion Technology program aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in the dynamic fashion industry, going beyond theory to prepare them for success in the real world
PRÓXiMA
As the program director, I am thrilled to introduce our latest initiative, Próxima Magazine, and discuss our mission and vision for this incredible publication.
Próxima Magazine is a testament to the creativity and talent of our Fashion Technology students, providing a platform for their exceptional work to be showcased and celebrated by the wider community Through this magazine, we aim to reflect the real-world experiences our students gain through our program, including industry collaborations, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities.
The mission of Próxima is to promote the importance of creativity, diversity, and inclusivity in the fashion industry We firmly believe that fashion is a powerful form of self-expression that should be accessible to everyone, and our magazine is dedicated to featuring a wide range of designs, styles, and perspectives that embody this belief
By showcasing the innovative creations of our students, we seek to inspire and empower the next generation of fashion designers and leaders Próxima provides them with a platform to display their work, gain exposure in the industry, and connect with professionals who share their passion for the field
Próxima Magazine aims to exemplify the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty alike Through this medium, we hope to share the unique perspectives and visions of our students with the wider community, while promoting the values of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity that lie at the core of our program
At Boston Arts Academy, we acknowledge that creativity and innovation know no boundaries, and we are dedicated to highlighting the exceptional work of talented students from all areas of study Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our program, and we actively involve students from all majors as models in our fashion endeavors. By casting students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, we not only celebrate the richness of our university community but also foster a sense of belonging and unity. This inclusive approach to modeling not only enhances the authenticity of our projects but also strengthens our bonds as a close-knit, supportive community
Próxima Magazine cultivates support and encourages the exchange of fresh perspectives. We firmly believe that this collaborative environment is crucial for nurturing the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
I invite you to join us in celebrating the launch of Próxima Magazine and our collective dedication to promoting creativity, diversity, and inclusivity in the fashion industry This publication will undoubtedly serve as an exceptional platform for our students to showcase their remarkable talents and as a testament to the innovative spirit that thrives within our program
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the incredible journey ahead with Próxima Magazine.
Elisabetta Polito
We would like to express our gratitude to NiLE SCOTT STUDiOS for their invaluable photos and guidance, which have greatly benefited our students.
F A S H I O N
CLASS OF 2022
Left to right: Christian Brewster, A ’myah Williams, Phyls Eutsay , Giselle Rodriguez, Kailey Tran, Leslie Guerrero, Shaniel Hernandez
M o d e l : N i ’y a B a r z e y , 2 0 2 3
D e s i g n e r : S h a n i e l H e r n a n d e z 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : A l i s o n B e n a v i d e s L o p e z , 2 0 2 3
D e s i g n e r : K a y l e e T r a n 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : A l i s o n B e n a v i d e s L o p e z , 2 0 2 3
D e s i g n e r : K a y l e e T r a n 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : G i s e l l e R o d r i g u e z 2 0 2 2
D e s i g n e r : G i s e l l e R o d r i g u e z 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : L e y c a i r a M a r t i n e z S o t o , 2 0 2 4
D e s i g n e r : L e s l i e G u e r r e r o 2 0 2 2
d e l : M s C
i s t i n a R o d r i g u e z D e s i g n e r : A ’m y a h W i l l i a m s , 2 0 2 2
Model : Ms. Christina Rodriguez
Designer: A ’myah Williams, 2022
M o d e l : C h r i s t i a n B r e w s t e r , 2 0 2 2
S t y l e d b y : C h r i s t i a n B r e w s t e r , 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : K h i r a L o w e l l , 2 0 2 3
D e s i g n e r : C h r i s t i a n B r e w s t e r , 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : : K h i r a R o w e l l , 2 0 2 3
D e s i g n e r : C h r i s t i a n B r e w s t e r 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : P h y l s E u t s a y 2 0 2 2
D e s i g n e r : P h y l s E u t s a y 2 0 2 2
M o d e l : P h y l s E u t s a y 2 0 2 2
D e s i g n e r : P h y l s E u t s a y 2 0 2 2
Niya Barzey
Alison Benavides Lopez
Trevell Brown
Wesley Caraballo
Gilliany Carrion
Evandro Correia
Romina Goncalves
Jaylana Johnson
Mikey Mayers
CLASS OF 2023
Jaileen Mercado
Henrique Pinacardoso
Khira Rowell
Sharon - Rose Sabu
Fiona Shine Duncan
Left to right: Romina Goncalves, Jay ’lana Johnson, Ni ’ya Barzey, Wes Caraballo, Fiona Shine Duncan, Jaileen Mercado, Alison Benavides Lopez, party pig
M o d e l : W e s C a r a b a l l o , 2 0 2 3
D e s i g n e r : W e s C a r a b a l l o , 2 0 2 3
M o d e l : N i ’y a B a r z e y , 2 0 2 3
S t y l i s t : M s E l i s a b e t t a P o l i t o
Model : Alison Benavides Lopez, 2023
Designer: Romina Goncalves, 2023
Model : Alison Benavides Lopez, 2023
Designer: Romina Goncalves, 2023
Model : Ezra Guaman , VAD 2023
Designer: Alison Benavides Lopez, 2023
Model : Romina Goncalves, 2023
Designer: Romina Goncalves, 2023
Model: Iysis Clouden Santiago, 2024
Designer: Iysis Clouden Santiago, 2024
M o d e l : g a b r i e l l a E n c a r n a c i o n , 2 0 2 4
D e s i g n e r : g a b r i e l l a E n c a r n a c i o n , 2 0 2 4
Model : S haumba - Yandje Dibinga
Designer: S haumba - Subira Dibinga - Robinson , 2024
Designer:
Model : Kiabelis Vasquez, 2024
Kiabelis Vasquez, 2024
Model : Zyion Docanto Andrade, 2024
Designer: Zyion Docanto Andrade, 2024
Models : Romina Goncalves, 2023 & Zyion Docanto Andrade, 2024
Model : Ms. Ling - se chesnakas
Designer: Alexcia Martinez, 2024
Model : Ms. Emily Josephine Melo
Designer: Zyion Docanto Andrade, 2024
Model : Nya Cruz, 2024
Designer: Nya Cruz, 2024
Model : Alison Benavides Lopez, 2023 & Party Pig
Designer: Izadora Almeida, 2024
CLASS OF 2024
Shaumba - Subira
Dibinga - Robinson
Zyion Docanto Andrade
Nya Cruz
Gabriella Encarnacion
Machi Grace
Kamran Gunn
Alexcia Martinez
Adrian Santos Peguero
Kiabelis Vasquez
Penelope Vonswitz
From left to right: Kiabelis Vasquez, Iysis Clouden Santiago, Kamran Gunn, Gabriella Encarcion
Izadora Almeida
Iysis Clouden Santiago
CLASS OF 2025
Photographer: Nile Scott Studios
Amelia Wolfson
Mikaela Bryson
Luiza Cardoso
Emerald Garcia
Zoe Isis Gillispie
Nex Johnson
Juliet Lerner
Julia Martillo
Chani Perez
Gabriella Reyes
Amelia Wolfson
Model : Amelia Wolfson, 2025
Designer: Amelia Wolfson, 2025
Model : Ideal Lobo Mason, 2020
Designer: Wes Caraballo, 2023
CLASS OF 2020/21 ALUMNi
Left to right: Cady Malkemes , Ideal Lobo Mason, Jabrianna Gonzale z
BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY (BAA) is the city ’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts, which educates 475 students who reflect the diversity of Boston ’s neighborhoods. At BAA, students are immersed in a conservatory- quality arts training and college preparatory education where they are exposed to the cultural riches Boston has to offer and to a range of arts and career possibilities as well as guidance through the college application and admission process. As needed, academic and social, and emotional supports are readily available. Boston Arts Academy ’s mission is to prepare a community of aspiring artist - scholars to be successful in their college or professional careers and to be engaged members of a democratic society.
BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY is a collaborative project between the Boston Public Schools and the ProArts Consortium, an association of six internationally known institutions of higher learning. Each specializes in the visual arts, performing arts and architecture: Berklee College of Music, Boston Architectural College, The Boston Conservatory, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, New England Conservatory, and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Samuel Medoza , Department Chair, Fashion Technology Faculty
Kathleen Marsh, Studio Arts Faculty
Rimi Mallick, Studio Arts Faculty
Gretta Olten , DVC Faculty
Elisabetta Polito , Fashion Technology program director
Guy Telemaque , VAD Faculty
Dr. Anne Clark, Head of School
Tyrone Sutton, Assistant Head of School
Yarima Ariza, Director of Professional Learning and Instruction
Joy Bautista, Dean of Student Achievement
Maha Chourafa , Dean of Educational Planning
Dr. Kwame Dance, Dean of Health & Wellness
Maura Tighe, Artistic Director
Edgar Vasquez, Dean of Students
Boston Arts Academy Board of Trustees
Myran Parker - Brass, Chairperson, BAA Board of Trustees
Special Thanks to Nile Scott Studios, the Boston Arts Academy Foundation and our generous donors.
Jay Calderin | Founder of Boston Fashion Week; Chair
Lynn Blake | Fashion Department Chair - Lasell College
Anica Buckson | Alum; Fashion designer and Stylist
Shaumba - Yandje Dibinga | Parent
Joelle Fontaine | CEO of IAMKr éyol
Sondra Grace| Fashion Design Department. MassArt
Liana Krupp | President, Krupp Family Foundation
Jeff Lahens | Entrepreneur, Menswear Designer
Kelly Martinez | Parent
Samuel Mendoza | VAD Department Chair, Fashion Designer and entrepreneur
Susan Mullins | Fashion Industry Educator and Professional at Fashion
Stephanie Mu ñoz | MPOZE Fashion & Founder of Suited For Fashion
Greg Palazzo | Senior Product Manager, Performance Footwear at PUMA Group
Marcia Roseme | Fashion Designer, Social Media, and Branding Consultant
Charles Schoonmaker | Costume Designer
Gerald Sullivan | NIKE Designer
Angelica Timas | CEO & Founder at Angelica Timas
Jennifer Varekamp | Fashion Design Department Chair MassArt
Nubia Williams | Senior Apparel Designer, PUMA Group
Mayor Michelle Wu
Mary Skipper Superintendent of Boston Public Schools
Jeri Robinson, Chairperson, Michael O ’Neill, Vice - Chairperson, Brandon Cardet - Hernandez, Dr. Stephen Alkins, Lorena Lopera, Rafaela Polanco Garcia, Quoc Tran