Class in Session at The High School of Fashion Industries

from left: Robert Di Mauro, Andrea Pitter, Sareh Nouri, Dorothy Silver, Rachel Leonard, Mara Urshel, Madeline Gardner, Michele Roth, Mark Ingram

It's fascinating to learn about the ongoing activities in the bridal class at the High School of Fashion Industries(HSFI). The involvement of industry experts, such as Mara Urshel, Dorothy Silver, Madeline Gardner, Sareh Nouri, Mark Ingram, Andrea Pitter, MichelE Roth, and Rachel Leonard, in the annual judging contest adds a valuable real-world perspective to the students' education.

The fact that this is the sixth year of the course, spearheaded by lifestyle commentator Robert di Mauro and Mara Urshel, the president and co-owner of Kleinfeld, underscores the program's continuity and success. Their commitment as board members to the course contributes to its’ quality and relevance in the ever-evolving field of bridal design.

Mark Centeno, HSFI’s Fashion Designer teacher, focuses on "Fashion Art" using multimedia and the class's choice of the theme, floral/nature, demonstrate a contemporary and collaborative teaching environment. It's impressive that students are studying master designers ranging from Balenciaga to Madeline Gardner, offering them a rich foundation of inspiration and knowledge.

The emphasis on multimedia techniques, particularly watercolors, markers, and pencils, suggests a comprehensive exploration of artistic tools, providing students with a diverse skill set. Mr. Centeno's emphasis on the importance of thumbnail sketches for design concepts aligns with the fundamental principles of design thinking.

The master class at Kleinfeld, including a walk-through of the store, seems to be a valuable experiential component, allowing students to connect theory with practice. The subsequent sketching process leading to the selection of finalists and the formation of teams adds an exciting and competitive element to the course.

The upcoming master class with Madeline Gardner, where she generously donates fabric for each team, further enriches the students' resources and enhances their exposure to industry practices. The acknowledgment that seniors who previously took the class had better technical skills and focus highlights the effectiveness and progressive nature of the program.

The anticipation for the formal runway show in June at Kleinfeld, where each team will present their realized sketches, adds a sense of excitement and accomplishment. It's clear that the High School of Fashion Industries is providing a dynamic and immersive learning experience, preparing students for success in the world of bridal design.