Gender fluid fashions, both on and off the runway, were at the forefront of Blanche Macdonald’s “Cherry Bomb” November 21, 2018 graduate fashion student show. The audience never got bored or tired as the 23 designers showed the 49 outfits in this tightly run presentation, complete with a much-appreciated printed program.

Lyn Katey and I, both of us happen to be ex-Blanche students, were awed at the fun and imagination on display. I talked with Blanche Macdonald Executive Program Directors Peggy Morrison, on staff since 1972, who was truly impressed at how the students upped their creativity for this show and to Donna Baldock who was heartened to see the inclusion of style inspired by fashion history, one of her passions, as shown in Bebeth Cohen’s ultra-lacey evening dress.

Bags abounded and straps flowed throughout and there were lots of inventive texture and color combinations.  Some styles were outdoors sporty with an edge, others like the teddy bear outfits by Peter Zuk were pure fantasy. Hair clips and dark lips enhanced rather than detracted from the captivating runway. Student talents were further accentuated in their very professional looking portfolios.

As I spoke to its founder and producer of a local annual major fundraising fashion show, I wondered whose designs we might see on the catwalk of one of next year’s show because he was searching for potential participants. I’ve been to one of his shows for which it appears that he prefers “far out” fashion and it seems to me he had quite a lot to choose from at Blanche Macdonald.