Model: Todd; Photo: Dominic Episcopo When you think of '70s flicks like Shaft, Foxy Brown and Superfly, you almost immediately envision the dope threads: feathered
fedoras, big gold chains, purple bell-bottoms and outtasight wide-lapeled
polyester shirts. "The men in those blaxploitation movies were so cool and so into
clothes that they were almost pretty," says Drai Dade, who created
this outrageous pink and black fur coat inspired by those films.
"I used black because it was such a strong, dominant color. And
pink because it's pretty," says Dade. She also created a pair of flared, black-and-white tweed pants
that complement her funky duds. Movie styles inspire her, as do the wild designs of Issey Miyake.
"Now everything is so much more practical, tame. There aren't
as many show pieces as there were in, say, the glamorous '20s
or '30s." click on the images below to view each designer's design and profile
Style Wars
Drai Dade, 25, Philadelphia College of Textiles, Junior
Meghan Curry and Kimberly Bennett, both 22
Philadelphia College of Textiles, Seniors
Gabrielle Casella, 21
Temple University, Sophmore
Alodie Perez, 20
Philadelphia College of Textiles, Senior