The High School of Fashion Industries Bridal Showcase at Kleinfeld
Michele Iacovelli
Featured here is model Janette Kalivogui wearing HSFI student Mimi Fanny’s gown. HSFI students Ulani Doyley, Jelice Fiffee, Siyaa Gulati and Jessenia Vega modeling their own creations.
Wednesday June 7, 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the bridal competition at High School of Fashion Industries(HSFI) held at Kleinfeld Bridal. thIS is the only high school bridal program of its kind available for JuniorS. To attend this public school is a privilege, with the wonderful faculty, A SUPPORTIVE Principal, DARYL BLANK and board members who are connected to fashion industry experts. EVERYONE IS nurturing AND HAS GREAT enthusiasm for the students.
An incredible display of such young talent, they get training TO PREPARE THEM for their next step to college and beyond. Whether they continue in fashion or not, a great background is provided for design execution and teamwork.
The program was spearheaded by HSFI board members, Mara Urshel co-owner of Kleinfeld and Lifestyle commentator Robert Di Mauro.
Fashion Design and Art teacher, Mark Centeno begins the process for the students with a master class at Kleinfeld. THERE ARE presentationS to judges that gets narrow down to Five finalists. The rest of the class is broken down to five teams to help the finalist produce the dress. THE NEXT STEP IS a master class with designer Madeline Gardner of Morilee who donates the fabric. THE PROGRAM WRAPS UP WITH a FINAL presentation back at Kleinfeld with bridal industry expert judges.
The execution was impressively creative and professional FROM all OF the STUDENT designers and teams. IN ADDITION TO CREATING THEIR GOWN, THE STUDENTS ALSO MODEL THEM! Jelice Fiffee who took first prize was inspired by 1940’s Old Hollywood Glamour…think Ava Gardner...in a pale peach, asymmetrical neckline with removable skirt and high slit.
The Bridal Council awarded A MONETARY SCHOLARSHIP to Jelice that goes towards her college fund.
Industry judges for the day included FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Designer-Sareh Nouri, Editorial Director of The Bridal Council- Rachel Leonard, Designer MadelineGardner, Co-Owner of Kleinfeld-Mara Urshel, Director of Sales and merchandise at Kleinfeld-Dorothy Silver, Former Editor in Chief of Bridal Guide-Diane Forden and NY times and Vogue journalist-Ivette Manners.
Congratulations to the HSFI Junior class who participated!
-Rachel Leonard
The teams
1940's Old Hollywood Glamour ft. Ava Gardner [WINNER 1st Place]