Otis Fashion Design program for theme-based collections

Mary Jo Bruno – For 25 years, lingerie designer MJ, a student of the renowned Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, has refined and redefined the artisanship of lingerie design. Mary Jo Bruno has perfected her craft as a luxury lingerie designer. The Mary Jo Bruno label sells directly to major retailors, such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Henri Bendel. Students design a collection for a modern day masquerade party.

Cynthia Vincent – Cynthia Vincent, designer and co-owner of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, focuses on form, function, and fabrication to design clothes that are feminine, hip, and confident. Cynthia’s career started with formal training at Otis. Not long after graduation she was hired by Jane Ong & Co. in London, where she quickly rose to become head designer.

In 1993, she launched her own label in California, which is carried by top specialty department stores throughout the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific Rim, including Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Fred Segal/Ron Herman, Tracy Ross, Scoop, Madison, American Rag, Bergdorf Goodman, and Holt Renfrew.

Five years later, she was awarded Los Angeles’ Rising Star Fashion Award. Cynthia’s students design a collection for the city nomad, mixing time and place to create caftans, jalabas, and other classics.

Christopher Wicks – Christopher Wicks, creator and designer of the English Laundry brand, started his design career in the mid-1960s in Manchester, England. Influenced by the popular music culture, Wicks designed shirts, shoes, guitars, and home interiors He started English Laundry to create sportswear apparel that was laundered for comfort.

The brand has since evolved into a global collection encompassing outerwear, suits, formal shirts, casual shirts, neckwear, shoes, belts, wallets, headwear, home products, and, most recently in a partnership with Zimco, eyewear. With signature styles inspired by popular music, English Laundry is now sold throughout the world.

Wicks joined Otis College of Art and Design’s Board of Trustees in 2011, and he received the 2012 Creative Vision Award at the annual Otis Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show. Wicks’ students design a1960s rock and roll inspired-collection.

Otis College of Art and Design