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Community Corner

Design Wars Inspire Red Carpet Looks

Annual, interactive competition challenges Nassau Community College's fashion design students.

Nassau Community College (NCC) fashion design students put their skills to the test Friday, kicking off the two-day Simon Fashion Now style celebration at Roosevelt Field Mall.

Design Wars is an annual, interactive competition that challenges Nassau Community College’s (NCC) fashion design students to create a red carpet look that fits the theme and impresses the judges.

Eight third and fourth semester students paired up with native Long Island women involved with the food industry acting as models to create a food-inspired garment complete with kitchen themed accessories.

Over the course of five weeks, and staying within a budget of $125 provided by Roosevelt Field, the up and coming designers and models displayed their creations on the runway for an panel of four judges that sought out creativity, use of material, fit and over all look.

“To have the opportunity to design for such notable Long Island women is a tremendous experience for these talented individuals and one that will benefit them as they embark on their chosen career path,” says fashion design professor Sharyne Wolfe.

Winner of the competition, Katelyn Hart, displayed her look with model Toni Contino, owner and manager of Mitch&Toni’s American Bistro in Albertson. Hart will receive a $500 American Express Simon Giftcard, as well as the chance to display her creation on the catwalk.

Hart incorporated her model's personality and the character of her bistro, making a successful fashion piece. “I worked super hard, ten hours a day nonstop to finish it,” Hart explained. “Her décor in her restaurant really played a part because she had so many lights, so I decided on shiny, and her wardrobe of blues and purples.”

The aspiring designer also offers advice for up and coming Design Wars competitors and fellow fashion students. “Go with your gut feeling. If someone tells you it’s not going to be right or good and don’t like it, do what you feel.”

Simon Fashion Now is presented by Winthrop-University Hospital and incorporates various exciting activities throughout the two –day event. A Trends & Friends Night, which includes a runway show, features fall looks from various stores and names. Funds from donations will benefit Island HARVEST, Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization.

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