The San Diego History Center and Mesa College have partnered on Fashion Redux 2023.

The San Diego History Center and Mesa College’s Fashion Program will celebrate their 12th annual collaboration for Fashion Redux 2023. Four 1980s costumes from the San Diego History Center’s historical costume collection were used by Mesa students as inspiration for their contemporary designs.

The students viewed these garments in the San Diego History Center’s Historic Clothing and Textile Collection and used their creativity to create a new design. The students begin with a diagram, a mock-up, and then a final inspiration.

The next step was to prepare a photo shoot that would work for all the outfits. Creative director Lise Victoria envisioned the scene shot outdoors with tall skyscrapers and a breathtaking view of San Diego as a backdrop. The weather had other ideas! It was raining buckets so it was time to turn around quickly.

Victoria shares her creative visions at Punch Bowl Social in the East Village. This family-oriented restaurant has an 80s vibe with a photo booth, karaoke, table tennis, arcade and bowling. It is a modern system that is seen in the market today.

Ramses Alfaro Mendoza and Leo Cotton designed their own. Mercedes Villarreal modeled Eddie Villarreal’s creations, and Maia D. Magno styled Robbie Matawar’s designs.

A final party and fashion show will be held on Thursday, April 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. This year’s designer challenge will focus on historical costumes from the 1980s. This is the first time since 2020 that they will be back in person. It’s a great opportunity to meet the designers and see the clothes the students have created with historical pieces.

Mesa College Fashion Director Jordin Smiley said, “The 1980s was a decade of vibrant and larger-than-life energy and excitement, with bold shapes and colors dominating the fashion world. From Madonna to Princess Diana, the fashion icons of the day embraced many styles and were all pushing the boundaries before them.

The program features a reception, gallery opening, runway show and final four outfits with models at the San Diego History Center. The audience can vote on their favorite costumes, and then the public choice award will be announced. The evening will conclude with a Q&A and discussion with the student designers.

The collection will be on exhibit, along with original clothing from the San Diego History Center’s collection, beginning April 20. For tickets to this evening, visit https://sandiegohistory.org/events/ or call 619-232-6203.

upcoming events

Sunday, April 16 – Bridal Bazaar Fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at Del Mar Shows. Two shows are presented during the day. Information: 760- 334-5500

Saturday, April 22nd – Spring Showcase 2023 at Fashion Week San Diego at Hotel Republic from 6-9pm for tickets: https://fashionweeksd.com/events/spring-showcase-2023/.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, educator and blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.