With the largest class to date of designers showing their work at this years Senior Collection each designer narrowed their presentation down to 4-6 pieces. The show moved along at a brisk pace giving each designer more importance to make an impression with limited time to grace the runway.

A council of industry reviewers evaluated the young up-coming designers. They included Thomas Baker from Puma, Debi Greenberg of Louis Boston, Sara Liebmann of the Boston Conservatory, Product design and program development consultant Julienne Martone, Jennifer Reale of Jennifer Reale Design, and Reebok International's Michael Schaeffer.

This year also marked a first with the collaboration between Mass Art and The Italian Trade Commission. In the intermission the audience was given a presentation showing the development and collaboration between Mass Art and the ITC. The Mass Art president along with faculty members and directors were given the opportunity to travel to Italy and tour the ITC's fabric factory. From that this years designers were able to use some of the worlds finest fabrics to construct their outfits.

One thing I have seen evolve from past years Senior shows is the designs seem to be more ready-to-wear. Styles are becoming more practicable to the real-world fashion market. Look for many designers to be seen in the Boston fashion marketplace in the upcoming years.

Photos and article/ Keith Patankar