Faux fur gown wins student honor
What is a fashion-loving animal lover to do? Call on her creativity.
Sarah Hunter did just that with her gown, and she will represent the Art Institute of California–Hollywood in the Humane Society of the United States’ fourth annual Cool vs. Cruel fashion competition.
The competition is meant to inspire design students in Art Institute fashion programs across North America to produce animal-friendly fashions.
“My piece was a true learning experience of ethics, technique and perhaps, most of all, patience: a piece of who I am, a little of what I learned and a little of who I want to be,” Hunter said. “My gown has a single shoulder; form-fitting bodice with an exaggerated dropped waist made of an almost iridescent stretch taffeta; a two-tiered flared skirt with a single layer of organza overlaying the top of the two tiers and trimmed with a black-and-gray marbled, high-quality, mod-acrylic faux fur.”
“Sarah’s gown is of course animal-friendly, but it is also grand and romantic reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour and evokes movies such as 'Doctor Zhivago,'” said Aleta Campbell, academic director of fashion design and fashion marketing and management for the school.
Hunter, who is from La Canada Flintridge, is among the 15 local finalists, chosen out of more than 150 entries to compete nationally. The grand-prize winner receives a trip to New York City for the Nov. 13 award presentation and a weeklong internship during New York Fashion Week with a celebrated fur-free designer.
“This contest gives young designers the opportunity to showcase their compassion and talent through cruelty-free, fashion-forward design,” said Kristin Leppert, director of the Fur-Free Campaign for the Humane Society of the United States.
-- Mary MacVean
Photos courtesy of the Art Institute
Nice work. It makes me hungry though. Just joking. Congrats.
Posted by: Jared | October 10, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Fabulous gown!!! "Romantic"," Stunning", and a "head turner", This gown would be an honor to wear...I'd like to see more by designer Sarah Hunter. How may we see more of her collections and designs? Thank you, Susan G. Berta
Posted by: Susan G. Berta | October 12, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Exquisite, romantic,and dramatic.
I hope soon to hear an announcement of a show of Sarah Hunter's new line of gowns. Sarah brings back the feminine look of strong leading women in classic Hollywood style.
Posted by: Emma | October 13, 2008 at 11:46 PM