Mesa College’s annual fashion show introduces next generation of designers

The 43rd Annual Golden Scissors Fashion Show was presented by the Fashion Department at San Diego Mesa College on May 17. The event, held outdoors on the community college campus in Clairemont Mesa, began with a VIP reception. The crowd was entertained by the Garza Quintet directed by N. Scott Robinson.

A design showcase of the students’ work was there for all to enjoy, and a meet and greet with the student designers set to take on the fashion world was featured. The theme for the event was “Natural Sensibility,” which focused on sustainable practices in fashion.

The evening continued with a welcome from fashion program directors Jordyn Smiley and Lyndsey Johnson. Then, the fashion show began in the outdoor quad under the guidance of creative director Liese Victoria. Nine amazing student designers each showcased a three-piece collection. The evening culminated with the presentation of awards.

Scarleth Montejano received first place for her “Age of Rage” collection. Second place was given to Leslie Vega for her “Maria Bonita” collection and third place was presented to Estefania Cazessus for “The Muse of Darkness” collection. All attendees could vote for the People’s Choice award, which went to Lauriana McCreary for her “Silk and Saddle” collection.

As the first-place winner, Montejano will receive a professional consultation and prototype package worth $1,000 to $2,000 from Zee Field at Profade Apparel.

I asked her to walk me through her design process. Montejano said she put on the soundtrack of “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath to inspire her. The drum beat from the music sounded like a heartbeat so she chose the anatomical heart to be on her designs. Montejano was thankful for winning and plans to transfer to Long Beach for her bachelor’s in fashion design and master’s in business.

Concluding this remarkable evening celebrating the next generation of fashion designers, additional awards were given to the showcase winners. For Design: Rasmus Lynnerup, Smart Casual; Emmanuel de la Rosa, Children’s Wear; Sara Cruz, Millinery; Lydia Niebla, Costume Influenced; Evelyn Zuniga, Sustainability/Upcycling; Maxine Lauck, Evening Wear. The merchandising category awards went to Mayeli Ho, Styling; Helena Limon, Photography; Andrew Greyeyes, Marketing; and Amanda Sasher, Video Promotions.

San Diego Mesa College is a two-year community college and one of the largest in California. It is ranked as San Diego’s top transfer institution and has a Fashion Department offering a fashion and merchandising degree. If you missed the Golden Scissors Fashion Show, stay tuned for next year’s and all the upcoming fashion events at https://bit.ly/3RbhHx1.

UPCOMING EVENTS

“A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard” – Featuring the fiber art of Marty Ornish, this exhibit has been extended for three months at the Villa Montezuma Museum (villamontezumamuseum.org) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Aug. 4. Call or text 619-233-8833 for tour reservations.

Man & His Dog – Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty is hosting a fashion show and fundraiser at 1111 Prospect St. from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 15. This supports Mad Mutts. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4a1tNPS.

Runway 40 Fashion Gala – At the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Pan American Plaza from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, enjoy a fashion gala from designer Ugochi Iwuaba. Tickets at https://bit.ly/3yrxql6.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner in San Diego. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.