RTR 2016: The Jacksons

Congratulations to Kelly Neiser for being the Rock the Runway 2016 winner for her "Rhinestone Revolutionary" Line. She has won the grand-prize of half of her Fall 2016 tuition paid.

Congratulations to the winners of the Audience Choice Award ,Julia DePalma, Melanie Martin, and Tracy Vollbrecht; the designers of the line "ABC, as easy as 1,2,3"  shall be receiving a Mood Fabrics shopping spree in New York City.

Special thanks to Michael Bush, Mary Beth Wilkins, Anne Siegel, and MJX for serving as this years judges and the great band, Decadia.

Be sure to checkout more photos of the show courtesy of  Thomas Farmer Photography 


ROCK THE RUNWAY 2016 JUDGES

MICHAEL BUSH

For 25 years, Los Angeles based costume designer Michael Bush, together with his partner Dennis Tompkins, who passed away in December 2011, created most of Michael Jackson's personal and concert tour wardrobes — tens of thousands of original pieces. Tompkins began his entertainment career as an ice dancer, and worked in the costume department at ABC on shows such as "General Hospital." Tompkins was working on the 1985 production of "Captain EO," a science fiction short film starring Jackson that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas, when Jackson discovered Tompkins' talent for making pants cut specifically for dancers. Bush joined the "Captain EO" production soon after Tompkins, and after the project wrapped, the pair began making costumes for Jackson to wear in his music videos. Their unconventional career provided them with the unique opportunity to work creatively with one of the world's greatest entertainers, and through the medium of clothing help him express the artistic style that made him a cultural icon. In addition to their work for Michael Jackson, Tompkins and Bush designed costumes for Britney Spears, including the red jumpsuit that she donned in the classic "Oops I Did It Again" video, as well as pieces for Elizabeth Taylor and Denzel Washington's wife Pauletta..


MJX

MJX, a five-star Michael Jackson Tribute Artist, has appeared on ABC News, TLC’s Four Weddings, BravoTV, VH1 and MTV. During each year, he performs nationally and out of country at hundreds of public, private and corporate events.

He is Founder of MJXpressions LLC, a company specializing in Michael Jackson entertainment, based in New Jersey. MJX has always been involved in the creative and visual processes, both personally and professionally. MJX is a graduate of Pratt Institute in NYC, holding degrees in Illustration and Graphic Design Prior to becoming “Michael Jackson”, he was an Creative Director for License Design companies in NYC and NJ, enjoying professional relationships with companies that included Disney, Nickelodeon and Warner Brothers.

As a child, MJX was an ardent Michael Jackson fan and ever since, has meticulously studied Michael’s music, dance, voice and love of sharing his artistic gift to the world. MJX is honored to be chosen as a Judge for Kent State’s Rocking the Runway 2016 and looks forward to enjoying The Jacksons inspired offerings by each talented designer.

MJX: “I have one mission - To honor Michael Jackson by keeping his spirit alive through events that share his genius in music and choreography; and to always follow Michael’s efforts in humanitarianism”.


ANNE SIEGEL

Anne Siegel is the Manager of Fundraising Events for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, where she is involved in planning the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as well as other red carpet distinguished events.

Anne graduated from Mercyhurst College (University), in Erie, PA with a degree focused in event management and a background in fashion merchandising; where she produced her first ever Runway Fashion Show. After graduation Anne landed herself in the entertainment industry where she gained experience as a talent buyer, agent, and event producer. Her career has provided her with experiences that involved working with such names as NBC, The Food Network, Disney, Martha Stewart, Steven Tyler, Rev Run and Betty White.

As a true entertainer at heart with a passion for the Fashion Industry, Anne is thrilled to be a part of today and truly honored to sit among colleagues with such amazing accomplishments.


MARY BETH WILKINS

Mary Beth Wilkins is a 2010 graduate of the Kent State Fashion School. She studied away in Florence, Italy and the NYC Studio. She worked in Technical Design in NYC for Armani Exchange, Haute Hippie, and American Eagle. MB moved back to Ohio to be closer to family and start her own business. Made By MB is a small batch fashion studio, where MB designs and creates comfortable, polished and practical clothing for the modern woman. Visit MadeByMB.com for more information about Mary Beth and her brand.