3 (Amazing) Days of Fashion!

Rachel here! I just got back from an amazing program called 3 Days of Fashion, hosted by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in San Francisco.This experience gave me a chance to meet and work with awesome people who were all fashion-minded like me. These three days were a blast, so I hope you guys will enjoy reading what I learned and who I saw. 

Here are some highlights from the 3 days, along with a style diary. (Click photos for high-res!)

In the city, it's all about comfort and function (and still trying to look cute!).
H&M Jacket // Charlotte Russe Top // Hollister Jeans // dEliA's Boots // Forever 21 Necklace // Pacsun Bag

In the first workshop called “Concept to Consumer,” I used a collection of photographs as an inspiration for a Fall 2013 clothing collection. My team presented colors, textiles, sketches, and the inspiration pictures as a “concept,” or an idea. I loved working with my teammates to create a collaborative collection that was original, creative, and wearable.

Creating our concept - our table was a mess!

Next, I attended a “Draping” class where my team created three dresses with three yards of fabric, a mannequin, and lots of pins. My team’s first dress was a partial disaster; the fabric was fringy and hard to work with. But we pulled off a dress that ended up looking great! (bottom left) 

For our second dress on the top right, we used a sequined burgundy sheer fabric. Our challenge was to drape the dress on the bias, which made the drapes flow well. We shaped a cowl-neck, a V back, and lots of gorgeous drapes on the sides and back. It was a challenge to work with unusual fabric – but it was a good challenge!

In my last workshop called “Footwear Design,” I saw how shoes are made. I even got to design my own heels, which were a summery wedge with geometric print:

Watch out Steve Madden! (just kidding.)

Basic black with a pop of pink to make it interesting!
Split Coat // Gap Cami // Rockstar Pants // Dollhouse Oxfords // Forever 21 Necklace // Pacsun Bag

Next, in “Promo Campaigning” we simulated a promotion campaign for a clothing line. We designed a studio for a promotional photo shoot as well as an event to promote the collection, focusing on neon, edgy, and geometric shapes. We planned out all the details for the event - from the dinner to the runway to the lighting!

Our photo shoot studio & the event plan!

“Sketching the Fashion Figure” was a fast-paced class where I learned how to sketch figures, outfits, faces, shoes, and hair. Using the 9-headed technique, I developed a sketch that somewhat resembled a model:

With and without an outfit

 It is said that these models are simply "pretty hangers for your clothing." To make them "pretty," the key things to keep in mind are proportions! As you can see from my sketch, I need lots of practice!

Combining cold weather clothing (long pants, sweaters, and scarves) with bright, summery colors!
Old Navy Dolman // Century 21 Pants // Airwalk Shoes // F21 Belt & Shades // Hollister Scarf // Pacsun Bag

On the last day, we had the famous “Trends Tour.” We talked about spotting and predicting new trends and how these trends end up in stores like H&M of Forever 21. Then, we created an inspiration board of a trend:

Our trend was Metallic (Magnetism!)

We headed out to the stylish streets of San Francisco (Union Square, baby!) to check out window displays and to watch for trends. After three days of learning about marketing and retail, it was amazing to see it all come to life in the stores we shop at!

Left, clockwise: Zara; Diesel; Juicy Ombre Shorts; Levi's; Zara studs; Chanel; Inside Juicy; Walking the streets.

But the part everyone had been looking forward to was at the very end: a visit from Nick Verreos, the Project Runway season 2 winner! He’s so funny! :)

It was inspiring listening to his personal story and we even got to see some of his dresses – ones he designed for Beyoncé and Katy Perry:

Yes, the celebrities actually wore these dresses!

I’m so glad I attended 3 Days of Fashion at FIDM. It was an eye-opening experience that was fun and educational. Maybe you can attend this program next summer and experience it for yourself. Because in the words of Nick Ferreos, "No shoulda, woulda, coulda. Just do it!"

End of the School Year

Wow, it's been a month! We sincerely apologize for not notifying you guys that we were going to take a one month leave from Crush. During this time, the editors were preparing hard for the busy schedule ahead for the future of this blog/magazine (..and taking care of the annoying must-do's for our own summers as well). But seeing it is summer, we hope to make much more frequent posts from this point on- hopefully at least once a week. We are glad that Crush getting more recognition and support, and humbly thank anyone who views this page! Now, to make-up for this absence, we present you a combined post of all the exciting style stories we have to share with you guys for the past month. Enjoy, and look forward for more!


[Click the photos for high-res]

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May 25th, 2012 was a crazy night for Lynbrook. Because on that night, Lynbrook held their annual Fashion Show! The InDesign Fashion Club showcased almost ninety pieces sewn entirely by its own members. One of large contributors to the show is one of our very own founders herself- Rachel Tu. We loved seeing current trends on the runway and such talented handiwork in the field of design, so we hope you guys will like the photos taken from the show as well!

Featured Models: Silvia Signore, Jennifer Lee, Shirley Kiang, June Hong, Kevin Tu, Shannon Chai, Sarah Tarter, Joanne Chen, Sandra Chang, Tao Jenkins, Malia Servito, Eileen Chien

Featured Designers: Rachel Tu, Jenny Sung, Lillian Chen, Jessica Wu, Kathy Ornelas

Photography: Yaoyao Pei, Mr. Tu, Rachel Tu

The hair and makeup artists from The Salon Professional Academy did a spectacular job with a simple, natural makeup look and barrel curls. They looked great as the models strutted their stuff down the runway. Here is Rachel, all princess-ed up in the looks!

Rachel's outfit as well as makeup and hair look.

 Forever 21 & Thrifted Necklaces // Nordstrom Blouse // LOLO Pants

A close-up on her makeup for the night.

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June 7th, 2012, The last day of school, is also the last day to see a ton of your friends everyday... So naturally, we expected some great style from the students at Lynbrook. These individuals were spotted wearing some of this season's most popular trends, except translated in their own sense of style! Take some cues from them for what to wear this summer. ;)

Mrinal's cool dip-dyed hair make her stand apart.

Braids and highlights look stunning together on Avani!

Wakana and Jenny wearing one of the hottest colors this season- coral

Rachel (also sporting coral) and Jennie rock the popular sheer collared button-up

Meagan looks fab in mint pastel with lace. So summery!

Geometric prints, cropped tanks, and high-waisted shorts are must-haves for a hipster like Hannah.

Yet another trendy print, large floral, is worn by Victoria