Behind-the-Scenes
Behind-the-Scenes of the Fashion Show
Strut Your Stuff
The 2022 IIDA New England Fashion Show is just around the corner, and we are excited to see the amazing work come to life and be showcased on stage at Big Night Live in downtown Boston. In the past, there has been some amazing work presented by the most talented teams throughout the design community, but not many see the effort that’s put in to bring these designs to life. With an extensive amount of planning, dedication, and communication; we learn about the process from start to finish that gives the models confidence when walking down the catwalk.
Before ideas start flowing, the first critical step is assembling the team. Outside of their internal group, design firms are given access to vendors to help source materials. Once these groups are identified, it is critical to set up a kickoff meeting to delegate responsibilities. Whether virtual or in-person, this is extremely helpful to streamline the design process to prepare for the mountainous amount of work needed to get it all done.
Once the theme has been decided on, teams begin to ideate through sketches and other visuals to help solidify the direction to go in. This is where creative juices start flowing, seeing talents exposed to another level outside of their daily work. Different mediums are used to enhance the overall vision and help get the theme on paper. The television series Project Runway showcases some fascinating ways designers in the fashion world bring ideas to life.
After these visuals are discussed and a solid direction has been chosen, teams begin to work with their respective vendors to coordinate the ordering of materials and samples to start piecing things together. Although the number of vendors is limited, the possibilities of materials to access is unlimited, as long as lead times are met.
During this phase, we see a lot more working sessions on the calendar to keep things on track and progressing accordingly. Final materials are selected to bring the theme to life and shine on stage. Components must work well together and be easy for the model to wear while moving across the stage.
Recently, Bella Hadid showcased a DIY work at the Paris Fashion Show, which was created in real-time. This was a super creative way to express the latex material on-stage, right before the eyes of the audience. While we are nearing crunch time, the designs are coming to life with extensive dedication from team members. Across the board, participants are stating “it’s like working a second job,” and showcasing their efforts in front of a live audience will certainly be a sight to see!
Interested in learning more about this year's show, check out this link to find out more! We'll see you there!
Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Katie Corcoran Garcia is officially LIVE!! On this show, we’ll share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design.
Check out Episode 1 featuring Jen Tedeshi from SMMA to learn about the story behind the design of Waters IMMERSE Find the original DM article here.
Stay tuned for the next President’s Message!
/ / sponsor highlight
Company Name: Matter Surfaces
Company Establishment Date: 1971
Company Description: Matter Surfaces was founded in 1971 as Mats Inc., a family-owned company selling entrance mats throughout the Greater Boston area. Founders Bob and Catherine Schiffmann spent the next decade building a vast portfolio of entrance solutions and strong vendor and client relationships. As the company continued to grow, Bob and Catherine’s 3 sons joined the business. Together, John, Richard and Paul opened additional warehouses and expanded the sales team across the country while diversifying their product portfolio. In the early 90s, they introduced contract flooring products – known today as the Formative Collection. Throughout the 80s and 90s, the company focused on building the world-class service organization and unmatched global planning and logistics team for which they’re known today. In 2004, they partnered with award-winning, European design house Bolon; in 2014, with PURLINE; and in 2021, with Parador Modular ONE.
Company Mission Statement: We are Matter Surfaces – an old friend with a new name. We’re your partner for design flooring and entrance systems. We believe in the power of Good Design. Thoughtful Good Design beautifies the world, enhances our health, and protects the environment.
Company Products / Services:
Matter Surfaces is the exclusive North American partner for:
- Bolon woven design flooring (www.bolon.com)
- Parador Modular ONE super natural flooring (https://mattersurfaces.com/parador-modular-one)
- PURLINE bio-polyurethane based flooring (https://mattersurfaces.com/purline)
New England Locations:
179 Campanelli Parkway, Stoughton, MA 02072 (Matter Surfaces Corporate Headquarters)
New England Contacts:
David Cassady, Regional Sales Manager, Architectural Solutions, dcassady@mattersurfaces.com
Question: What is the best part of being an IIDA NE Chapter Sponsor?
Being a part of the New England chapter of IIDA as a Chapter Sponsor has allowed Matter Surfaces to be a part of something great - forming connections with the Boston and surrounding area design community, fostering friendships with design elite, and impacting change in our industry. The New England Chapter was one of the first groups to know about our rebrand from Mats Inc. to Matter Surfaces and helped us spread the word that, while our name may have changed, we are still a familiar face with the same design flooring solutions you have come to rely on.
