Mark Centeno's 11th grade Honors Bridal class was wowed and inspired by Robert Di Mauro's high energy and high style introduction to the 15th annual Bridal Showcase.

The longest serving board member now entering his 31st year at HSFI, Mr. Di Mauro passionately and proudly shared the history of this program.

"This class was born out of a conversation in 2009 with then principal Hilda Nieto and my dear friend Mara Urshel, who owns Kleinfeld. It took a long time to plan this thing. It was introduced as an after school project, and grew into an industry partnership program."  Mr. Di Mauro emphasized its uniqueness. "It is the only Bridal Design class in the United States on the high school level. It may be the only Bridal Design class in the world on the high school level."

Mr. Di Mauro continued by making meaningful connections between bridal design and costume design, and what makes them stand out. "It's not a regular garment. It's built. The inside of it is built. It's meant for one occasion, to be worn one time." He further expanded on recent developments in sustainability in both industries and their repurposing messages. 

Mr. Di Mauro credited Mark Centeno for taking this class to the next levels --  "plural" -- over the years, along with citing the Bridal Council as being very supportive. "It's an amazing thing to watch this grow," he said.

There are 25 students in the Bridal Honors class. Audition is required. A panel of judges will review each of the 25 student designs and five will be selected. Students then proceed to work in teams of five, in different roles, to bring each bridal gown to life.

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