Saks Fifth Avenue Windows Light Up With Parsons’ Student Work
Staring intently at the display of his peers’ work, Aven Helford, BFA Fashion Design ’16, reflected on his senior collection. “After putting my blood, sweat, tears, and soul (all quite literally) into my thesis collection, seeing my designs proudly standing within Saks Fifth Avenue is a true dream. Having my work recognized on such a high level by such an esteemed company has reinforced and strengthened my drive to continue to explore and create.”
Helford was one of 37 seniors from the BFA Fashion Design who earned the opportunity to display their work on the second floor and in five storefront windows of Saks Fifth Avenue, on 50th street, where passerby could view them for two weeks in June.
From the Kering “Empowering Imagination” competition, to the annual Parsons Benefit, which crowns designers of the year in Womenswear, Menswear, Accessories, and Childrenswear, graduating fashion design students have ample opportunities to showcase their work. By showcasing their work at Saks, emerging designers have the chance to be seen by thousands of potential customers and leaders in the fashion industry.
“I can’t even describe the feeling of turning the corner on 5th avenue and seeing one of my looks in the window,” said Jackson Wiederhoeft, BFA Fashion Design ‘16. “I just spent the last four years walking up and down Fifth Avenue, looking in the windows and wandering the stores, and suddenly I’m in one—it’s really such an honor.”