Last week, the soundstage at RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios was transformed into a colorful runway for the *Beyond Fashion* event. Featuring vibrant animated displays and technicolor lights, the show presented a diverse range of garments and wearables designed by local talent and RIT students from various disciplines.
The event’s theme, “On the Table,” was inspired by the designs of Lella and Massimo Vignelli, famous for their minimalist and functional approach to products found on the tabletop, such as dishes, books, and perfume bottles. Some designers created literal interpretations of this theme, with models showcasing outfits adorned with silver cutlery or even a dress shaped like a round dining table. Others focused on the elegant simplicity that is characteristic of the Vignellis’ design work.
Maddy Schoenfeld ’20 (Metals and Jewelry Design), ’23 (MBA), producer of *Beyond Fashion*, explained the influence of the Vignellis: “Their extensive work in product and graphic design for objects on tables gave designers plenty of inspiring source material.” Schoenfeld has been involved in the event since its inception in 2021, which emerged from discussions between Josh Owen, director of the Vignelli Center, and Wendy Marks, director of F&A Galleries. She was brought in to help organize and bring the concept to life.
“The goal was to connect fashion at RIT with the Rochester community,” Schoenfeld said. “Beyond Fashion provides a platform for students and local designers to showcase their work in a professional setting.”
This year’s event saw over 150 RIT students participating, marking the largest group ever to take part in *Beyond Fashion*. More than 200 members of the community attended the show, which has become a significant highlight for many students involved.
Brandon Riley, a fourth-year new media design student from Westminster, Md., participated in *Beyond Fashion* for the third consecutive year. After modeling in the past two events, Riley helped organize the show this year, assisting with designer outreach, runway planning, and team coordination. “It’s a great chance to showcase fashion talent at RIT, where fashion isn’t as prominent,” Riley said.
The excitement around the event extends beyond the runway. Gabrielle Payne, a third-year museum studies student, is curating an exhibition based on *Beyond Fashion*, which will open in RIT’s University Gallery in early 2025. Payne, who has modeled in the show every year since arriving at RIT, saw the exhibition as an opportunity to gain hands-on curatorial experience. She plans to create an immersive experience that aligns with the show’s theme, with mannequins arranged around tables in a “dinner party” layout.
This year’s production was led by a dedicated team, including Executive Producer Maddy Schoenfeld, Content Producer Stacy Nethery (a fourth-year fine art photography student), Production Assistant Valentina Scottini (a fourth-year industrial design student), Production Coordinator Yohemery Kpodo (a fourth-year new media design student), and Producer Brandon Riley. New media design students, led by Jason Arena, also created dynamic visuals for the event, displayed on LED screens around the venue. Music was composed and curated by Lucas Cleary, a third-year computer science student.
*Beyond Fashion* is hosted by the Vignelli Center for Design Studies and RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios, showcasing the collaboration between students, faculty, and the local design community.
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