Direct from the Runway: Academy of Art Fashion Students

It was fun, it was upbeat, it was full of life. It was the Academy of Art MFA fashion candidate presentation at the Tents in Bryant Park this past Saturday. And let me tell you, these ten designers are definitely the ones to watch! I really think they could be the next Zac Posen, Thakoon, Phillip Lim, Peter Som ... yes, the list goes on and on.

Models strutted down the runway in everything from loud, polka-dotted trapeze dresses to wildly patterned, glittery and metallic, 80s-inspired tunics and leggings. And I had quite an amazing view from my 2nd row seat! (Coincidentally, I was seated next to the family of one of the designers, Tara Shannahan, whose coated white linen separates had them all beaming with pride!) My vantage point offered up quite the wonderful view of hair and makeup, which fortunately was as great to look at as the clothes.

Hair was flat-ironed to perfection, hanging long and straight and oh-so-shiny. (If only spending half an hour blowdrying in sections and running shine serum through my locks worked so well!) I couldn't get over how gorgeous the hair was, especially during the presentation for Jiyoon Yeom -- she sent models out in featherweight, floral jacquard-woven dresses and accented the look with sprays of flowers woven into their tresses, adding just the right touch of "je ne sais quoi."

Makeup was fresh, pretty and youthful -- faces were glowing, eyes were given just the subtlest amount of shimmer, and lips were done in dusky roses and the palest of reds. All in all, it was a wonderfully exciting evening. I can't wait to see all of the collections in stores this spring!

*All photos are the sole property of The Beauty of Life.