Fashion MPS Management Students and Alumni Create “Second Row” Runway Show to Promote New and Emerging Designers
Multiple times a year, editors, buyers, and top clients descend upon the fashion capitals of the world to view the newest collections from luxury fashion houses in runway shows that have become increasingly expensive, over the top, and inaccessible to the average consumer.
Recently, a group of students and alumni from the MPS Fashion Management program in the School of Fashion at Parsons hosted a new type of fashion show meant to celebrate inclusivity, and give emerging designers a platform to showcase their work. Hosted in the Vera List Courtyard, “Second Row” featured 12 designers from throughout New York City, and included members of the Parsons community.
Benedetta Pizzi, the founder and Co-Creative Director of “Second Row,” was initially inspired to create a new type of fashion show when she was challenged by one of her classes to find “white spaces,” in the fashion industry. After speaking with her roommate, a fashion designer, about her fears upon entering the industry, she decided to develop a platform that would give new and emerging designers a foundation with which to build their brands.
“As a fashion enthusiast eager to enter the world of fashion shows, I felt frustrated by how difficult and exclusive it is to attend these events,” says Pizzi. “This led me to create Second Row, a fashion show initiative that aims to spotlight emerging designers through open-to-the-public fashion events, creating a platform where innovation, talent, and community come together. In an industry often exclusive by nature, Second Row opens doors to both patrons and the public, bridging the gap between fresh creative voices and fashion enthusiasts.”
Pizzi collaborated with her classmates to produce the show, including Alexander Pidzamecky, who oversaw public relations and sound design, as well as Aanya Singh, who served as executive producer and Co-Creative Director. The outdoor show, which was open to the public, included a live music performance, which helped create a fractured experience, mimicking the dystopian themes seen on the runway.
A selection of runway looks (Photos by Maya Sturmer)
“Second Row speaks to the collective vision of our generation to empower those without access to resources needed to succeed,” says Pidzamecky. “This breaking of traditions also aligned with my personal thesis of immersive sound design in fashion spaces. I wanted to explore how retail, exhibition, and in this case, runway spaces can be restructured to better serve and immerse a visitor.”
The designers selected for the show all had to submit their work for consideration, and included representatives from Parsons, FIT, and Pratt. While all of their collections were unique, the show was a cohesive effort that was ultimately a unified experience for the audience.
“What made this fashion show unique was that while all 12 designers created pieces independently of themselves, a common theme of dystopia emerged throughout their designs,” says Singh. “The circular concrete backdrop of the courtyard with falling leaves complimented this curated line-up of designs, starting with lighter futuristic uniform-like garments and ending with abstract, distressed creations. Staggered seating in the courtyard and the amphitheater steps, with some additional seating inside the adjacent cafe and on the bridge above allowed the audience to have unique viewing experiences of the show while enjoying the live music.”
During their time at Parsons, Pizzi, Pidzamecky, and Singh have all connected with classmates and teachers who have inspired them, and helped them gain industry insights, practical skills, and more. The international makeup of the Parsons community has given them exposure to diverse perspectives, and influenced their future career choices and decisions.
“Parsons has given me both the knowledge and the confidence to create meaningful opportunities within the industry,” says Pizzi.
“My professors have become mentors to me, even post-graduation,” says Singh. “Professors that weren’t even my own that I found through faculty reference, for example Tiffany Webber who teaches the Fashion Show Production courses I met through an introduction from the MPS lead Daniel Drak, have helped me understand the intricacies of the industry and how to apply them to my career.”