Marian O’Rourke-Kaplan, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, entered this suit in a competition that was judged by the Queen of Thailand. The initial jury was a panel from ITAA (International Textile and Apparel Association) and “Fair and Square” was selected as a finalist to be shipped to Bangkok for the final judgment of Queen Sirikit. The charge was career wear created in Thai Peacock standard silk. Marian chose an exquisite hand loomed silk in an alluring Garnet color with a firm hand and gutsy weight for the suit. A lighter weight tissue taffeta irregular stripe in the same Garnet on a field of Pewter and Sand tones was an ideal companion to add interest. “Fair and Square” is a suit that is conservative, as career wear should be; but far from boring which suiting can often become. The stripe fabric used to create the shell was cut entirely on the bias to soften the crisp fabric and allow for a dartless fit. With seams at center front and back, a horizontal yoke cut 4 inches below the notched boat neck, allows the stripes to create a focal point of the design in the square pattern at center front. An open collarless neckline on the jacket keeps focus on the stripe patterning of the shell. (model: Stephanie Montes, photographer: Job Ruzvidzo)
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