Colorful frocks met with refined design, exhibiting a wealth of accomplished artistry and tenacious talent. From '60s inspired dresses to vampy, sheer club wear, the collections were an impressive array of design reinterpretation and innovation.

The night began with 13 students showing off individual projects in an assortment of fluid, draping gowns that were an outstanding mix of class and bold assertion.

Following the individual projects, the "complete collections" took center stage, with 15 designers—most preparing to graduate—showcasing spring dresses, swimwear, pantsuits, evening gowns and club gear.

Nao Ichinose, who presented "Flowers in the Field," took home the award for Outstanding Apparel Design for her collection which featured ruffled hot pants, plaid suits, and thigh-skimming baby doll dresses in maroon and green.

Ichinose worked for several months on the clothes, collecting inspiration from the "usual things like people or nature," while also reading fashion, photography, and architecture books. The result was clothing for the "girl who has something that attracts people," she says. "When these girls wear my clothes, they become perfect." After graduation, Ichinose aspires to become an assistant designer with hopes of becoming an individual designer in future years.

Several collections after Ichinose, Melanie Starr Dela Cruz revealed fun and flirty looks styled after sassy '40s pinups. Dela Cruz desires to be a wardrobe stylist after graduating, specializing in vintage clothing. Like many of her peers, this collection was the result of several months of intense work, which Dela Cruz believes is beneficial for those wanting to enter the field. "I felt the show was important," Dela Cruz says, "because you can take classes, but can you really do it?"

West Valley fashion instructor and show coordinator Oo Shin was proud of the work her students presented. Shin says the school hosts the annual show to promote students' work so they can "hopefully make real customers and real money." Several designers were approached by attendees, including Tutu Sandoval, who fielded several queries for his sensationally skimpy swimsuits.

"Having a fashion show does a lot for them; they learn a lot by doing it," Shin says. She believes that parents, spouses and friends, "didn't expect the show to be this nice. It was really nice. I think people were surprised at the quality of work and the whole setting."

Annie Dostalek, who displayed a funky and feminine new wave collection, says she enjoyed pushing herself to design for the show. "It was way different from any other class, because you want to make it look good for the stage, and you are trying to impress people. I really tried to visualize what something would look like on stage," she says. "It was a really good learning experience. I want to do it all over again!"

To order a copy of the fashion show, contact Scott Ludwig at 408.741.2031. For more information about West Valley's design program, visit www.westvalley.edu/wvc/fd.