(Filed Under Fashion News). At this year's FEMMY Awards, the Underfashion Club gave intimate apparel design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology the opportunity to wow the crème de la crème of the industry.

Seven students competed in the Underfashion-sponsored design contest: "Homage to film sirens of the ‘30's: Dietrich, Garbo and Harlow."

Heading the students was their mentor and professor of fashion design and intimate apparel, Alexandra Armillas. Her experience includes twenty years as head designer for Christian Dior Lingerie, and the launch of the Oscar de la Renta intimate apparel collection. She also did freelance work for Reem Acra, and for Saks Fifth Avenue, where she created intimate apparel collections under their Private Label.

Armilla's venerable influence was evident in her students' designs. Aubrey Meade, a student competitor spoke about her gown entitled "Starry Night Romance", which was inspired by Greta Garbo and was made from two shades of iridescent chiffon and metallic lace.

"I wanted to create an ensemble that evokes a feeling of mystery and romance. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to create such a luxurious garment for the FEMMYs, and was so excited to see my design come to life."

Other student participants spoke just as glowingly about the experience.

"The opportunity to show a garment at an event like this was very exciting. Everyone attending was incredibly supportive and encouraging," said Claire Sanders, who created the "Shanghai Express" ensemble inspired by Marlene Dietrich. The ensemble included a hand-painted kimono, and was made primarily from silk satin and silk brocade.

Maggie Bacon created "Suitable Elegance," inspired by Marlene Dietrich's "ability to look incredibly sexy in a men's tuxedo."

"I like the juxtaposition between lingerie, which is supposed to be ultra feminine, and giving it a twist with masculine details," she commented. "For example, my corset was shaped like a tuxedo vest but constructed out of black Chantilly lace."

With these students already cultivating their design expertise at awards like the FEMMYs, it looks like the next generation of key players is already in the making.

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Published 02-24-2009 by Amanda Torres Price