The Future of Fashion

The sunlight surrounding Urban Outfitters' loft-like corporate headquarters Saturday afternoon illuminated Drexel University's end-of-year fashion show.

As usual, the 40-plus presentations were stellar, all exemplifying a keen sense of design. The garments' construction was very top-of-the-line; no unraveled hems on this runway.

Among the first works presented was a grouping of dresses fashioned from airy fabrics donated by Lilly Pulitzer, showcasing the students' ability to create ruching and draping techniques.

These were followed by the senior collections, the coolest by Elena Lecce, who deftly fashioned white patent leather into shifts, coats, and leather pants. Then she layered the pieces over bold shades of green and pink. The look was mod meets millennium, daring yet classic at the same time.

I also enjoyed Emily Terpak's grouping of workout gear, her geometrical pieces meant to represent strength and femininity, she said. She was right. The collection of crop tops and running pants, a tennis dress, and even a wet suit was a refreshing splash of creativity. Terpak won the most salable senior collection.

Chelsey Breidenbach's daywear collection featured beading details that rivaled the work of design duo Badgley Mischka.

Last, students Anthony P. Noce III and Lori Pinizzotto gave their full-cut black and beige gowns an Oscar de la Renta spin. Pinizzotto won the Frank Agostino Award for Excellence, while Noce took home the FGI Philadelphia Red Carpet Dress Award.

See more photos from this and other student fashion shows at www.philly.com/phillyfashion.

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