Boston Globe, MA
Oct 7 2004
Introducing Armenia’s ready-to-wear
October 7, 2004
Contemporary Fashions from Armenia
National Heritage Museum,33 Marrett Road, LexingtonSunday, 5 to 10
p.m.Donation: $50, includes buffet of Armenian foodTel.: 781-862-0738
Yerevan is rarely included on the list of fashion capitals. In fact,
many Americans don’t even know that Yerevan is the capital of
Armenia. But that hasn’t fazed Eva Medzorian, who has made it her
goal to bring the fashion of Armenia to the United States, beginning
this Sunday at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington.
“This is the first [Armenian fashion show] that has been in the
United States,” said Medzorian, president of the Armenian
International Women’s Association, New England Affiliate.
The show was conceived during one of her 40 visits to Armenia, when
Medzorian stopped in the center of Yerevan to watch a student-run
fashion show.
“The clothing was so Western,” she said. “It was up to par with some
of the best things that we have here in America.”
Medzorian was even more impressed to learn that the school, the
Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts, did not even have access to
sewing machines. In hopes of raising money for the academy as well as
introducing the designs of Armenia to America, Medzorian organized
the fashion show.
The show will feature the designs of students, graduates, and faculty
members of the academy, along with a collection from ATEX, an
Armenian-based fashion house. The runway designs will feature a
variety of handcraft techniques, including beadwork, painting on
silk, and embroidering. All items on the runway will be available for
purchase, with prices from $60 to $350.
“There are no copycat designs,” said Medzorian. “The quality and the
styles are modern and yet so original.”
Three of the designers will attend the show. Nune Aghbalian, an
instructor in the design department of the Yerevan academy, is known
for her paintings on silk. She will also be displaying some of her
work at the Armenian Library Museum of America in Watertown.
Kevork Shadoyan, a recent graduate of the academy, will present a
20-minute segment on Armenian wedding fashions. The segment will
include bridesmaid dresses, men’s attire, as well as a wedding gown
customized with ancient Armenian motifs.
Another academy graduate, Anna Panosyan, will debut her line of
fashions featuring fabrics such as silks, chiffons, and sheers.
The program will begin at 5:30 p.m., when guests can view and
purchase items including hats, jewelry, scarves, and collectibles. At
6 p.m., there will be a buffet. The fashion show, beginning at 7
p.m., will be accompanied by Armenian music.
Medzorian found local residents who volunteered to help with the
fashion show, including serving as the models. It is with the help of
this community that Medzorian hopes to nurture these untapped
talents.
“Armenia is one of those endangered countries that seems to be on the
verge of extinction,” said Medzorian. “Through this fashion show,
people can become more aware of Armenian tradition and culture.
“People will want to help an academy like this that is producing such
talent and beautiful things to the world.”
CHRISTINA PEASLEE