Newark Public Schools Students Aim To Defy Gravity In Upcoming Wicked Fashion Show

High School Students from Newark School of Fashion & Design to debut their original collections inspired by Wicked, with the help of students and faculty from across all the other high schools in Newark

NEWARK, N.J. – When Newark Public Schools students work together, they are changed for good.
 
That is the premise of the district’s second-annual districtwide fashion show, Wicked, to be presented on Saturday, June 6th at Newark Vocational High School. The two-hour production will draw heavily from the beloved Broadway musical. The show brought audiences deeper into the Land of Oz, where the very green wicked witch, Elphaba, and the very blond good witch, Glenda, learned to rise above what made them different and discover the good in each other and themselves.
 
The students involved in the Wicked fashion show have had very similar experiences, said Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) Principal Sakina Pitts.
 
“This project pushed them as individuals to support one another, despite their differences,” Principal Pitts said.

The fashion show, featuring original student-designed collections inspired by Wicked, is the culminating presentation of the NSFD’s Senior Capstone Project, showcasing the students’ abilities in fashion creation, illustration, visual arts, research, and design through their original garments.

“This is more than a fashion show,” Principal Pitts said. “Students spent the entire year researching themes, costuming, culture, and design concepts to create collections that reflect identity, advocacy, and storytelling through fashion.”

In this year’s the Wicked fashion show and one finds the inclusion of avant-garde fashion concepts designed to push creative boundaries. One design, for Glinda, turns into a flower on the runway. Another design, for Elphaba, includes a ballooning retractable hood. All of the show’s pieces will be modeled by staff from across  the schools and Central Office in Newark Public Schools

The show’s cooperative spirit isn’t limited to the fashion designers and models. Every Newark Public Schools high school will contribute to its success.

Returning as the show’s producer is Eric E-stylz Santiago, a celebrity fashion and wardrobe stylist who works at Tamron Hall’s wardrobe supervisor. Santiago is also a retail visual merchandiser specializing in fashion and design. Also, two celebrities will host this Saturday’s performances. Actor Steven Strickland (Law & Order, FBI) will host the daytime (12 p.m.) show. Shannon LaNier, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, actor, and fatherhood influencer who hosted last year’s show, will host the evening (6 p.m.) show.

“The Wicked Fashion Show is a celebration of the remarkable creativity and technical skill of the students at the Newark School of Fashion and Design, and the collaborative spirit that exists throughout Newark Public Schools,” said Superintendent León. “This production brings together students, performers, musicians, and staff from schools across our district, creating a showcase that reflects the talent, diversity, and unity of Newark’s young people. It is inspiring to see our students use fashion and the arts to tell meaningful stories while representing the very best of Newark Public Schools.”

“One of the most exciting aspects of this production is that it shines a spotlight on students from across Newark Public Schools,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “While the Newark School of Fashion and Design’s student designers are at the center of this extraordinary showcase, the performances, participation, and energy of students and staff from throughout our high schools help make this a true districtwide celebration of creativity and artistic expression. I congratulate everyone involved for producing a show that demonstrates the depth of talent that exists in Newark Public Schools.”

The Wicked Fashion Show will be presented on Saturday, June 6th. The event will feature two performances:

  • Daytime Show: 12 p.m.

Hosted by actor Steven Strickland (Law & Order, FBI)

  • Evening Show: 6 p.m.

Hosted by returning emcee Shannon LaNier, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, actor, and fatherhood influencer. 
 
Tickets are $25 and are available at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newark-school-of-fashion-design-presents-wicked-tickets-1985317218243?aff=oddtdtcreator