We were recently honored to be a part of the judging panel for the fourth annual bridal gown design competition from the High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI), in partnership with Kleinfeld Bridal. Needless to say, these amazingly talented students created gorgeous gowns that were outstanding in every way.
From 30 sketches, the judges chose four finalists who then, with the help of fellow classmates and under the supervision of their instructor, Sandra Manning, brought their visions to life using fabric provided by Mori Lee. They also attended a master class at Kleinfeld given by co-owner Mara Urshel and Director of Sales and Marketing, Dorothy Silver, where they learned about trends in the industry including shapes, textures, illusion and color.
Pictured (from left): Principal of the High School of Fashion Industries, Daryl Blank; yours truly; and joining us on the judging panel, Kleinfeld Fashion Director, Terry Hall; co-owner of Kleinfeld, Mara Urshel; the contest winner Jose Luis Cabrera with his model (and girlfriend); founder of the Industry Partnership Program (dedicated and named after his father Thomas Gaetano di Mauro) and Advisory Board Member at the High School of Fashion Industries, Robert di Mauro; bridal designer, Edgardo Bonilla; Kleinfeld Creative Director Jacques Vigneault; bridal designer, Madeline Gardner (Mori Lee); HSFI instructor Sandra Manning; and Kleinfeld PR and Marketing Manager, Lindsey Groginski. A special thank-you to Mara Urshel and Robert di Mauro, who created this contest and continue to provide invaluable opportunities for students.
Winner: Jose Luis Cabrera
There’s no question that Jose’s elegant lace and nude gown blew the judges away with its impeccable detailing and masterful craftsmanship. His inspiration board features an illustrated high-neck lace gown accented with handcrafted sugar flowers. Jose’s gown aptly celebrates the feminine form and, with its hand-appliquéd lace sleeves, illusion back and flowing lace skirt, brilliantly achieves his desire to “make any bride embrace the queen within.” Congratulations to Jose and his team for this stellar creation.
Runners Up
Sara Dhani
Designing for a bride who is “young, edgy and independent,” Sara Dhani created an inspiration board inspired by modern architecture: the clean lines of Greece’s Rio-Antirrio bridge combined with the tiers of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. The result: a sleek, sexy silk taffeta mermaid featuring a sculpted bodice with a plunging neckline and intricate back — the ideal dress for today’s modern bride.
Evelin Amaya
“My inspiration is flowers,” states Evelin on her inspiration board. “Flowers can be put in any special occasion… and add beauty and femininity.”
Evelin’s lovely satin mermaid, with its asymmetrical lace bodice, illusion back and lace inset train, captures the romance and timeless appeal of a beautifully designed bridal gown.
Nailah Barnes
Inspired by Old Hollywood, Nailah’s inspiration board features a fabulous halter-neck gown. “Every bride wants to embrace her inner beauty,” she states. “The gown represents the bride who not only wants movement and spirit but also a sultry dress with a daring slit up the side.”
Her glamorous silver silk-satin mermaid doesn’t disappoint. The unique design features a silver lace-beaded blouson bodice with a halter neckline, a side slit on the skirt and a stunning sexy back.
Congratulations to the winner, Jose, the runners-up Sara, Evelin and Nailah, and to all of the students and teachers who participated in this wonderful design contest.
We applaud your amazing talent, passion and dedication, and look forward to seeing more of your designs on future runways! And to retiring HSFI instructor, Sandra Manning, we offer a very special thank-you for inspiring hundreds of students to always pursue their dreams.
—Diane Forden
