Erica Laba was born in For Worth, Texas but raised in Massena, NY where she went to Massena Central High School. She came to the Academy of Art University to earn a B.F.A. in Womenswear Fashion Design. Her collection is a collaboration with B.F.A. Textile Design student Liza Quiñones and B.F.A. Knitwear Design student Emma Mengchen Yang. Laba was inspired by silhouettes of early 20th century Gibson girls – nipped waists and full skirts. She constructed the collection using silk organza, and twill in shades of plum, navy, and grey, mimicking slick, city streets after a bought of rain.
Liza Quiñones grew up in Valley Stream, New York, and attended Valley Stream Central High School. She is pursuing a B.F.A. in Textile Design, and has had her work featured at the St. Vincent De Paul Society’s annual fundraiser Discarded to Divine. She collaborated with Erica Laba, a B.F.A. Fashion Design student, and Emma Mengchen Yang, a B.F.A. Knitwear Design student, on a collection inspired by the Gibson girls of the early 20th century, infused with a metropolitan edge.
Emma Mengchen Yang was born and raised in Beijing, China. She came to the Academy of Art University to earn her B.F.A. in Fashion and Knitwear Design. She collaborated with Erica Laba, a B.F.A. Fashion Design student, and Liza Quiñones, a B.F.A. Textile Design student, on a multifaceted collection. The knitwear pieces were inspired by the grey hues of the city.
Erica Laba, Liza Quiñones, and Emma Mengchen Yang.
Follow the jump for The Proust [Fashion] Questionnaire!
Erica…
What [item of clothing] is the greatest love of your life?
I love a good dress. The LBD is my tried and true favorite of them all, of course.
Who are your favorite [fashion] heroes in real life?
My fashion heroes are usually those who do what they want (beautiful and hideous) and have created a style that sticks with them and becomes an extension of who they are, not just a flavor of the week.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’d like the ability to never require sleep.
What is your [style] motto?
Everyday is an occasion.
Liza…
If you were to die and come back as [a fashion icon], who would it be?
Chloe Sevigny
Which[items in your closet] do you most use?
Definitely scarves closely followed by purses
What is your [style] motto?
Its all about the fit, have fun but be comfortable
What is your current state of mind?
Ready
Emma…
What is your most treasured possession?
The passion for design and endless creativity
What is your current state of mind?
Do what I want to do.
What is your [style] motto?
An idle youth a needy age
Who are your favorite [fashion] heroes in real life?
Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balenciaga, and Valentino.
For more on the 2012 Graduation Fashion Show and events, click here.
