When you enter Kleinfeld, you enter a world of wonder...

Before you even open the salon doors on West 20th Street, you already begin to lose yourself in the fantasy, the luxury, the legacy and the high sartorial standard that no other bridal house delivers quite like Kleinfeld.

Mark Centeno's 11th grade Honors Bridal students were  enchanted in yesterday's masterclass, held at the massive Chelsea flagship, just a four block walk from HSFI. 

Robert Di Mauro opened with inspirational stories and storyboard direction. "The storyboards need to speak for you, without an explanation." He also offered students encouragement and expressed their value. "I always find it fascinating to hear what your age group is thinking about, and what you bring to the table."

The Kleinfeld leadership team gave expert guidance on the design process and contributed ideas on how to get started. One suggestion was to think of a specific person you would design a dress for, in order to develop a focus.

Dorothy Silver and Caitlin Arigoni presented an overview of what's trending, in anticipation of New York Bridal Market Week next week, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

A garment rack was rolled out with a dazzling collection of dress samples for students to study, touch and take pictures. Mark Centeno encouraged them to look at the inner construction. "This is a big deal."

A Review and Critique session of the 25 students' storyboards will be held in December.

Robert Di Mauro has been on the Advisory Board of the High School of Fashion Industries for over 30 years and is the founder of the Industry Partnership Program.

Mark Centeno is an HSFI Alum, Class of 2006 Art & Illustration major, and teaching at HSFI for seven years. 

Brenda Rojas-Hampton teaches 12th grade Honors Fashion Design and is a coordinator of both the Annual Fashion Show and the Honors Bridal program. She is an HSFI Alum, Class of 1992, and celebrates 10 years of teaching at HSFI this December.