TCD Grad Student Mary Pattavina's work featured on the runway in San Francisco

09 Dec 2008    

Mary Pattavina's garments on the Arts of Fashion runway in San Francisco, November 2008

During the Spring 2008 semester TCD design graduate student Mary Pattavina applied to the Arts of Fashion Student Fashion Competition with the help and encouragement of her advisor, Dr. Trout. The theme for 2008 was Influence. The application process required synthesis of a concept relating to the competition's theme in the form of a concept statement, mood board, three fashion illustrations, detailed flats of each garment, and fabric swatches. Mary titled her collection lyrical protection. Cocoon pouches are built into the garments embracing the wearer - suggesting security of personal space and objects. There is a lyrical, feminine quality emphasized by the curvilinear lines, soft pastel colors and subtle textural shifts in fabrication.

Mary Pattavina design illustrations

“A few weeks after my submission,” Mary said, “I received an email congratulating me on being chosen as a finalist in the competition, which both shocked and delighted me! It was - and still is - an honor to be one of the 60 chosen as finalists in this international competition.” According to the Arts of Fashion Foundation, sponsors of the competion, 270 applicants from 79 different fashion schools and universities and 23 different countries submitted entries.

On October 29th the Arts of Fashion Foundation held their annual symposium and fashion show at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Both Dr Trout and Mary Pattavina attended the events. They report that the symposium's discussion panels were excellent and covered topics such as copyright issues, fashion as presented in magazines and blogs, and an inspiring presentation from designer Ma Ke. Mary added: “I'll admit it - I felt a bit star-struck when I met Susie Bubble, whose blog I frequent, and Sandra Backlund, who makes radical knit garments.

Though Mary wasn't one of the lucky winners, she felt that the whole experience was a great opportunity. "I loved seeing all the talent that was presented at the show and am really thrilled that I was able to attend."

TCD graduate student & designer Mary Pattavina at the Arts of Fashion runway show event in San Francisco, November 2008. Congrats Mary!