Note: Media that wish to cover the show are asked to R.S.V.P. to esblust@syr.edu by
Wednesday, May 27.
Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) will present its
annual senior juried fashion show "Vision with Action" in New York City on
Wednesday, June 3, at 7 p.m. at JPMorgan Chase, 270 Park Ave., 50th floor. The
show will feature the top collections from fashion design seniors in VPA's School of
Art and Design. The college will also present the 2009 Icon of Style Award to Henry
Grethel, a renowned designer and SU alumnus.
Tickets for the show are $175 for preferred seating and pre-show reception at 6 p.m.;
$75 for admission to the show only; and $44 for admission to the show only for
current SU students and SU alumni who graduated from '05-'09. Tickets may be
purchased May 11-29 at http://invite.syr.edu/vision. Seating is limited.
VPA held its first juried New York City fashion show in 2008 to expose the high
quality of design and craftsmanship created at SU to designers and the media in that
market. The college has presented an annual fashion show on the SU campus for
more than 20 years.
The jury for this year's New York City fashion show is composed of both industry
professionals and School of Art and Design faculty, including Shawn Clarke,
designer, Joan Vass; James Horan, owner and buyer, The Edge, Syracuse; Francine
Emmi, employment recruiter; Sue Yoder, faculty member and textile designer,
BCBG; Karen Bakke, faculty member and program coordinator, fashion design;
Lucinda Havenhand, chair, School of Art and Design, Department of Design; and
MaryEllen Letterman, chair emerita, Department of Design.
The college created the Icon of Style Award to honor those individuals in the fashion
industry who are bold, innovative and visionary. The inaugural 2008 award was
presented to VPA alumna Emme '85, a prominent model, author, lecturer, clothing
designer and women's advocate.
Grethel, a designer, merchandiser and marketer, is president of HG Designs
International. Known for deftly combining the casual, modern essence of American
sportswear with sophisticated colors and fine fabrics, he was an early factor in
business casual clothing and remains a vital, creative force designing for the rapidly
evolving lifestyles and priorities of today's consumer.
Grethel's marketing education and vast business experience have made him an
entrepreneurial concept creator and product producer. In addition to holding
executive positions at such major apparel companies as C.F. Hathaway, Eagle
Shirtmakers and Manhattan Industries, he originated and developed the John Henry
brand in men's and women's wear prior to debuting his own collections for men and
women. His interconnected trademarks-Henry Grethel(tm), Equipment by Henry
Grethel(tm), Henry Grethel Platinum(tm) and Henry Grethel Studio(tm)-represent
originality, creativity and salability.
Grethel has received numerous honors for marketing and design, including
membership in the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was also
selected to design the opening ceremony uniforms for Team USA at the Albertville
and Barcelona Olympic Games. For more about Grethel, visit
http://www.joanhansen.com/henry_grethel1.html.
Focused on design and creative development, VPA's fashion design program offers
an intellectually stimulating environment with a global perspective. This, coupled
with practical and theoretical skills, technology and the study of the cultural context
in which fashion exists, provides a broad-based education in fashion. In addition to
Grethel and Emme, notable alumni from SU and the fashion design program include
Betsey Johnson, Donald Brooks, Tom and Linda Platt, Lisa Kline and Danna Weiss.
VPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire
audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. The
college provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that
thrives on critical thought and action. Learn more at http://vpa.syr.edu.
