art: molly schiot
Edited by: Price Latimer AgahWe always love posting about do gooders in the fashion industry- it really isn't an oxymoron! Last week the luxury Italian outerwear company, Allegri hosted their third annual design challenge with the kids at The High School of Fashion Industry to create the ultimate Allegri rain pieces. The challenge was incorporating their own interpretations while remaining loyal to the DNA of the 40-year old Italian outerwear brand. The students were paired in developing one men's piece and one women's piece from start to finish - research, mood boards, sketches and drapings before Allegri produced samples of the most successful pieces.
These styles included a cropped motorcycle jacket with a removable, asymmetrical padded vest, a minimal lasercut Rain-Cashmere trench with invisible side pockets, a military-inspired coat with pleated silk detailing and gold buttons and an elegant fur-trimmed women's coat.
The project provided the students of the High School of Fashion Industries the opportunity to not only get hands-on experience and see their designs for a major label come to fruition, but receive priceless guidance and feedback from industry leaders.
“It has been an honor to create and support opportunities for talented new designers through the Industry Partnership Program” says Allegri CEO Gian Maria Argentini. “We love the energy these students posses and seeing their initial sketches become finished products. It has been exciting to see the evolution of this project over several seasons. We began with signature Allegri rain accessories - umbrellas and rain boots, and last year the students designed handbags and weekenders which sat proudly in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue”.
"This venture between Allegri and the HSFI students is the jewel in the crown of the 'Industry Partnership Program " adds Robert Di Mauro, board member of HSFI and creator of the school's Industry Partnership Program" This is a keen example of building a strong bridge between the industry and the school".
Bravo! And perfect timing for April showers.
All photos courtesy of Josh Wong.
