Student Fashions Hit Runway At Morristown HS

Students strutted the catwalk Tuesday showcasing dozens of outfits they made for the Morristown High School 2013 fashion show.

The fashion show is part of MHS’ 5th annual Art & Design Week.

Senior Shannon Kikuchi, who’s heading to Parsons the New School for Design after she graduates, headed up the organization of the fashion show under the guidance of Rachel Compton, Fashion Club adviser.

Compton said that this is the second year of the fashion show.

“Shannon Kikuchi started the show last year because she thought there was a lack of fashion design at the high school,” said Compton, adding that the art design and sewing classes joined forces to create the fashion show. “Some of them did some pieces … or jewelry. Some students never sewed before at all or never designed before. I think it worked out very well.”

“(Kikuchi) She’s such a great adviser and she’s so talented. She’s got it all,” said Nevi Shah.

The two major designers for the show were sophomores Shah and Asaki Takahashi, both with multiple items in their clothing line. Other designers made an individual outfit.

“I started the show last year with an AP art class,” said Kikuchi. “I made all these clothes. At the time, Nevi was the only one that was into clothing design specifically so we teamed up and worked on the show. I started the fashion design club to teach other girls how to design and work on fashion. Nevi worked with me and Asaki and a few other girls work with me on costumes. We started teaching girls how to sew at sewing classes on Thursdays.”

“I think the show was a lot of fun. Last year I wanted to do it, but it was too late so I’m glad I did it this year,” said Asaki, adding that she’s looking forward to next year.

With several rows of seats filled and many more standing in behind them, the turnout was high for the show.

Compton added that this is much more than just a club that may be perceived as a traditional home education course teaching girls how to sew.

“It teaches them how to be creative using the sewing machine,” she said. “It’s really rooted in the girls. They’ve been very motivated. Arts By The People came in as well. They are a community of working artists that work with different aspects of the high school art program. We had designers come in and speak at our fashion club and they came back to give help and advice.”

Related Patch Articles:

• Art & Design Week Debuts Film Festival at HS

Take a picture during the fashion show? Share it with Patch by adding it to this photo gallery. Want to give a shout out to a student artist? Do it in the comments section.