2008 Woodie Awards
Annual Synergy fashion show showcases university talent
by Sabina Ellahi
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: News
"The piece had many contrasts of nature and purity versus the dirty, city structures of the Industrial Revolution," Bennett said. "My collection shows the juxtaposition of those ideals and also highlighted the delicate elements."
She said she researched the handiwork movement after the Pre-Raphaelite period, which inspired the hand-stitched designs in her work. Bennett said she has been sewing for 15 years and made her first outfit when she was six years old.
"My grandmother taught me how to sew and eventually how to tailor as well," she said. "I really mastered my skills through her."
Bennett said she was involved with 4-H camps in Maryland, which was where she first publicly exhibited her garments. She said she realized then she wanted to go into fashion design.
"I loved the aspect of being creative, especially when it came to clothing," Bennett said.
She said she interned at several fashion houses in New York City. From interning, Bennett said she gained exposure in product development, allowing her to build her skills in design. She said she hopes to end up in New York City designing women's wear and sportswear.
Bennett said she feels it is rewarding to design practical clothing.
"I enjoy creating innovative and unique designs," she said. "But with that, I want to make a structure that is suitable for everyday wear."
The main trademark in her designs is attention to detail, Bennett said.
"All my pieces have little details that I think through while I create it," she said. "I try to make all my designs and pieces complement each other."
Senior Tiffany Rogers, second-place winner of collections, said she knew her one passion in life was always fashion.
"Junior and senior year of high school I took fashion classes at another high school since they didn't offer any at mine," Rogers said. "I realized that I didn't like anything else but fashion."
Now, Rogers, whose collection was titled "Pastiche Americana," gets influence for her ideas through news and pop culture. Inspired by current events, Rogers incorporated a social commentary on the war in Iraq, the presidential campaign and Britney Spears into her designs.
She said she researched the handiwork movement after the Pre-Raphaelite period, which inspired the hand-stitched designs in her work. Bennett said she has been sewing for 15 years and made her first outfit when she was six years old.
"My grandmother taught me how to sew and eventually how to tailor as well," she said. "I really mastered my skills through her."
Bennett said she was involved with 4-H camps in Maryland, which was where she first publicly exhibited her garments. She said she realized then she wanted to go into fashion design.
"I loved the aspect of being creative, especially when it came to clothing," Bennett said.
She said she interned at several fashion houses in New York City. From interning, Bennett said she gained exposure in product development, allowing her to build her skills in design. She said she hopes to end up in New York City designing women's wear and sportswear.
Bennett said she feels it is rewarding to design practical clothing.
"I enjoy creating innovative and unique designs," she said. "But with that, I want to make a structure that is suitable for everyday wear."
The main trademark in her designs is attention to detail, Bennett said.
"All my pieces have little details that I think through while I create it," she said. "I try to make all my designs and pieces complement each other."
Senior Tiffany Rogers, second-place winner of collections, said she knew her one passion in life was always fashion.
"Junior and senior year of high school I took fashion classes at another high school since they didn't offer any at mine," Rogers said. "I realized that I didn't like anything else but fashion."
Now, Rogers, whose collection was titled "Pastiche Americana," gets influence for her ideas through news and pop culture. Inspired by current events, Rogers incorporated a social commentary on the war in Iraq, the presidential campaign and Britney Spears into her designs.
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