Art Institute Designers for Spring 2016

For twelve up-and-coming designers from The Art Institute of New York City, Fashion Week was a chance to showcase the talent, determination, and hard work they put into their Spring 2016 collections. These promising designers-both current students and recent graduates-presented designs that represented their passion, vision, and motivation to succeed.

Deron Shields (5th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– “Concrete Rose,” created an expressive and experimental look that reinterpreted the classics while fusing together quality craftsmanship and whimsical silhouettes. Layers of tulle in a myriad of shades of white, gray and pink came together to create this fresh look at sportswear that was a perfect balance between day and evening.

Eric Jernigan (6th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Spirits emerging from volcanoes inspired this eveningwear collection that was entirely made of two colors – ash gray and neon pink. His pieces titled, “Beauteous Eruption,” were electrically elegant; a mixture of fantasy, control and edge.

ai spring 2016 look- finale 11- eric jernigan

Nataliya Matkivska (7th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Her collection,”Line and Shapes,” took the definition of classics to a new level. Hand beading & flowing textiles combined to create a feeling that was part retro, part futuristic.

Melissa D. Gonzalez (Graduate: December 2014, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– “Meladama,” was inspired by the surreal and psychedelic elements of the film “Fantastic Planet.” Clashing fabrics, all richly textured, created a mélange of silhouettes that leave observers unsure of season, decade, or even planet, but yet wanting more. Shoes OYSBY London

Ebony Taylor (4th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Crisp Op-Art lines combined with draping fabrications gave this swim & après swim collection, “End Game,”an easy elegance that could effortlessly go from pool side to evening.

Rujing Liu (Graduate: June 2015, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Her collection, “Dear Mother,” was organic in nature. Easy silhouettes in moody shades of vegetable dyed, textural fabrics that evoked a feeling of Asian simplicity were sent down the runway.

ai spring 2016 look 18- nathaly meristil

Nathaly Meristil (Graduate: December 2014, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Shapes and dimensions drove her collection, “The Infinite Climb.” Architectural elements softened by neoprene were draped, cut, tucked, & seamed to evoke feelings both organic & sculptural.

ai spring 2016 look 13- nathaly meristil

Monica Suemitsu (Graduate: March 2015, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Japanese inspired detailing came together with textural fabrics in oversized, silhouettes that gave just enough shape and interest to intrigue in this collection titled, “Onpa.” Bernardo Shoes

Kiki Terrels (4th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– His collection, “Ironclad,” was influenced by medieval armor mixed with modern functionality complete with inserts of paisley, leather, and sheet metal. Shoes by Pikolinos

Matheus Rangel (4th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Druids & gypsies came together to create an easy collection titled, “Druidry,” that was part loungewear, part smart sportswear, & part explorations of androgyny for the modern man. Pikolinos Shoes

Yurie Lim (6th Quarter Current Student, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– “Things I Don’t Show,” embodied his personality by fusing together clean and strong silhouettes with more sweet and delicate details. The menswear collection incorporate Japanese patchwork and colors he grew up wearing in the Philippines.

Lavan Chxiedze (Graduate: June 2015, Fashion Design, AAS, The Art Institute of New York City)– Making his second appearance at New York Fashion Week, “Love Letters from Berlin,” was inspired by Berlin in the 1920s and 1940s, especially the history of hardship facing the gay population during that time. His collection pushed the boundaries of menswear and challenged the constructs of gender-appropriate clothing.