Joo Young Yang a finalist in Fashion Week competition
Joo Young Yang’s childhood origami hobby has inspired her newsprint design in a fashion design competition.
In keeping with a flying theme, origami bird and paper fans cover the dress made by the Briarwood Christian School student.
The top 40 designs from the Rising Design Star Competition, including Joo Young’s, will be displayed the Birmingham Museum of Art until Feb. 10.
It took Joo the entire Christmas break to create her design, but she is happy with the finished product.
“I like to draw and paint, but the idea that somebody could wear my art is a great feeling,” Joo said.
More than 80 middle school and high school students from across the state submitted their garment designs using nontraditional items assembled with glue, tape and staples in the place of stitches.
“The designs we have received this year have blown us away with their fashion sense and creativity,” said Jeanna Lee Fleming, co-founder of Birmingham Fashion Week. “These students, ranging from 11-18 years old, are already well on the way to becoming the next hot designers in New York City, and this competition can be the catalyst that propels their dreams forward.”
From the 40 finalists, 30 will be selected and receive an opportunity to showcase their design on the runway at Birmingham Fashion Week Feb. 23-March 2 while competing for $1,000 in scholarships.
Showcasing designers and top models, the event, held at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham, has expanded from four days to seven days of runway shows and parties.
The same high fashion found on the runways of New York will grace the city of
Birmingham, from the makeup, hairstyles and outfits to the most recent trends. The schedule includes designer runway shows, fashions from Gus Mayer and Saks, and model and design competitions highlighting the latest fashions of the season.
Designers Annie Griffin, Southern Proper, By Smith, Prophetik, Heidi Elnora, Leona Collection and What Goes Around Comes Around, as well as international designers will contribute clothing. Not only will there be local and national celebrities in attendance, but will also be judging the designs and model competitions.
The Birmingham Fashion show benefits many organizations, including Alabama Forever, which aids communities in need, and Camp Smile-A-Mile, which provides a year-round program for children with cancer in Alabama.
General admission and VIP seating are available, with an After Party following each show. Tickets range from $15-$85. For more information, visit bhamfashionweek.com.