It has been a busy few weeks for the fashion industry. Besides the Costume Institute’s annual gala, a number of high-profile awards have been handed out (including ones to Maria Pinto, Francisco Costa, and Cathy Horyn). On Thursday April 30th, acclaimed couture designer William Calvert received the Spirit of Design Award at Philadelphia University’s annual fashion show. The theme of this year’s event was “Fashion Fantasy,” and the event celebrated the best of the school’s fashion designers.
To honor Calvert, 10 of his most recent looks were shown on a catwalk. The runway presentation was followed by another one featuring the work of Philadelphia University students.
Calver, who is a 1991 graduate of Philadelphia University’s fashion design program, trained in Paris while working on the couture collections of Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, and Rochas. He also designed and developed collections for Diane von Furstenberg and Brooks Brothers. In 1997 Calvert launched his own couture line, specializing in eveningwear and bridal gowns.
Unlike many designers who use the term “couture” rather loosely when describing their creations, Calvert meets with his clients on an individual basis. He told WWD — “it’s a one-on-one experience; the dress becomes a part of her. That’s what I enjoy about couture.”
He further stated the he hopes to expand in the future with men’s wear, casual wear, interiors, and possibly even a mass market line and freestanding stores.
