In September of 2021, Albright College debuted its designers for New York Fashion Week, a biannual showcase of runway shows and presentations used to highlight designers’ collections for the following fashion season. Albright College returned for its 3rd year bringing back nine of its students and alumni. This year’s event returned to 3 West Club and was hosted by Albright alumni R. Scott French ‘87 of VERY New York.
Mary Quinn of Milford, PA opened the 3rd annual Albright New York Fashion Week show. Quinn known for her unique and fun sense of style showcased that through her collection. Mary’s collection offered turquoise, nude, and floral patterns that played with depth and texture. The most eye-catching piece was the men’s pull-over top with bow detailing and long leg harem trousers.
Michelle Nguyen, a current senior, followed next. With Michelle’s family owning and operating a sewing manufacturing factory for more than 30 years it’s no surprise her collection showcased cleanliness. Her designs are described as offering a distinct aesthetic of femininity and youthfulness. Michelle’s collection offered a variety of plaids and some items boosting colorful buttons. The structure of each piece in the collection stood out the most, showcasing her talent immensely.
Truc Phuong Ha a 2024 graduate of Albright College raised in Reading, PA received inspiration from a family vacation to Vietnam. The inspiration behind the collection stems from a combination of modest and stylish design with a Korean style characteristic. The designs consist of modular styles, where individual garment pieces can be assembled or disassembled. Trucs collection played it safe with black and white but touched on creativity with the way she played with length. Her asymmetrical trouser skirt showcased how well she was able to capture the collection’s theme.
Truc Phuong Ha (left) & Lydia Simone (right) NYFW Albright 2024
Abby Thomas-Ridgway earned ‘Most Marketable Design’ in Albright’s 2023 annual fashion show so it’s no surprise she came on her A-game. Her inspiration typically comes from flowers and femininity. Through those designs, she aims to enhance the body of women and allow them to be their most beautiful selves. Thomas-Ridgways collection stands true to who she is, each piece showcasing its models’ beauty with soft feminine colors.
Lydia (Johnson) Simone, a 2017 alumni of Albright College had one of the eye catching collections. Simone whose designs were featured on SHEIN in 2023 stayed true to her design aesthetic with this collection. Her designs are described as a mix of classical and contemporary infused with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Lydia had bright and vibrant patterns, 3-dimensional butterfly jackets, and ruffled swimwear.
Felicia Oyekola NYFW Albright College 2024
Felicia Oyekola, a 2024 graduate, collection was inspired by Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Women’ and the Yoruba tribe. Felicia wanted to capture her version of phenomenal women through this collection. With an impactful mens piece paying homage to the Yoruba tribe and a traditional African women’s dress Felicia’s collection was modest yet appealing. It definitely showcased to the audience how her heritage connects to her interpretation of phenomenal women.
Kamiah Jean, a 2024 graduate, of the Albright collection was centered around black, gold, and hues of purple it played with structural fashion. Kamiah brought avant-garde to the stage when she showcased two designs that incorporated caged pieces and chain detailing.
Mia Rezza, another 2024 graduate, collection was inspired by the essence of water and the blissfulness of brides. Mia’s collection remained centered around pastel blue and a forest-like green remaining true to her collection, Aqua Bliss. All the pieces flowed like water and allowed the models to move freely, while still showing off their beauty and figures.
Stephaine Vargas Hemmings NYFW Albright 2024
Stephanie Vargas Hemmings, a 2022 alumni, is no stranger to Albright’s fashion show as she debuted her first collection in their inaugural show. The current collection is inspired by the Koi fish and the animated television series Avatar the Last Airbender.’ Stepanie’s collection was an eye-turner, with the first piece walking out receiving immediate gasps and wows. Keeping true to her inspiration of the Koi fish she played with colors and patterns of the Asian culture that spoke volumes.
The third annual Albright College New York Fashion Week touched a record breaking nine designers. Showcasing their talents and what they have to offer, and it’s no denying that Albright has helped to craft some amazing designers.
