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Forgetting
price points and consumer trends for just a moment, what is fashion?
It's prêt-à-porter art with the pragmatist logic of form follows
function. Designers have very few occasions to delve into this sort
of indulgent thinking, as therapeutic as it is, much less with a
circle of their peers as a supportive soundboard. Enter GenArt,
an American non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing emerging
visual artists, designers and filmmakers, the forum of choice for
recognizing urban artistry.
The
GenArt/Nokia Styles 2001 International Design Competition treated
the capacity crowd of 1500 at the Hammerstein Ballroom to a plethora
of international design talent. While the majority of the 400 entries
were American, both Canadian and overseas designers were well-represented
in the competition, open to designers who have been in business
seven years or less. It was a coup for Canada, grabbing top prize
in two categories, menswear and sportswear. With supermodel and
actress Eva Herzigova as master of ceremonies and supermodel Nikki
Taylor presenting awards, the evening unraveled to see Montréal
designer Kamkyl
Kreativ eclipse South Korean and American labels to take the
menswear prize. Allison Barr of Vancouver walked away with 1st prize
in sportswear.
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