By Raveena Rahman, Oct. 1, 2024
The Alice Fashion Society at Cal Poly Pomona held the Crows Fashion Show Sept. 20 and 21 at the El Callejon Gallery, showcasing streetwear, bright colors and unique designs from six Pomona artists.
CPP students Nicholas Vela, a history student, and Maximus Espinoza, who is pursuing a master’s in business administration, curated the Alice Fashion Society in February. Their goal is to find designers and artists around Pomona and showcase their work.
A designer who goes by Samo took a different approach presenting his designs than the rest of the designers. His designs were edgy, with a heavy use of black and denim. He had his models utilize props such as the Bible, a canvas and an easel. One of the models began painting an outfit on the canvas, with the name of the collection, “SAMo24” written at the top.
Tré Miller was another interesting designer who created meaningful designs. His designs included an abundance of button-ups, leather and accessories. He experimented with patterns on his button-ups and textures and prints on the pants.
Miller likes to personalize the clothes he makes to bring meaning to it. He calls his brand “Third World,” to take back the negative connotations associated with third-world countries and create an unconventional style delved in activism. One of the shirts he portrayed in the fashion show had the words “THIRD WORLD” inscribed on it.
CPP alumnus Gabe Stein, who majored in landscape architecture, was a notable designer with a unique design approach. Stein considers himself an artist and many of his designs were inspired by his artwork, incorporating drawings and showcasing his airbrushing skills.
“Airbrush is its own style,” Stein said. “It reminds people of the ‘90s and early 2000s when that was really, really popular. My designs are a newer age take on that.”
He further describes his style as a type of streetwear in the modern sense of the term. He experiments with baggy clothes and loves to add his own touch and paintings onto formal wear.
Apparel merchandising and management student Nathalie Ramirez was the second designer to present her collection. Her designs consisted of streetwear and a little bit of Y2K influence, including neutral colors, prints with writing and people on them as well as skirts and belts.
“I started designing clothes in high school,” Ramirez said. “What got me into it was mainly streetwear. I would go to different stores at the mall like Zumiez and looking at catalogs, and other brands inspired me to learn how to screenprint on my own.”
Ramirez originally wanted to go into business administration but when she learned about the apparel merchandising and management program at CPP it made her feel like she belonged and provided her with an opportunity to embrace her design skills.
Ramirez’ first-ever design, a white shirt with the writing “NO ICE” with brown letters and snow dripping off the letters, is something she is proud of and wants the world to see.
Jill Burlingame kicked off the show with her collection consisting of patterned clothing, lots of denim and a mix of bright and neutral colors. The blend of patterns and colors made her designs lively yet versatile. Her aesthetic was ‘70s inspired, yet modern since denim maxi skirts are trending now.
What’s interesting about Burlingame is that she had her male models dressed in skirts, defying traditional stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
Former CPP student Isaiah Wallis showcased his collection “From Zay With Love,” consisting of neutral colors and streetwear.
“I would describe my designs as Black Americana,” Wallis said. “It’s definitely for people that have a lot of nature around them. It’s supposed to be free, comfortable and just enjoyable to wear. I try to make it as sustainable and ethical as possible.”
The Crows Fashion Show highlighted the rich diversity and creativity of local talent in Pomona.
Feature image courtesy of Raveena Rahman