For most students, the culmination of two terms’ worth of hard work doesn’t usually conclude on a runway with cameras flashing, but for the School of Design and Human Environment’s Fashion Show and Design Exhibition class, that is precisely how their biggest academic project comes to a close. Models help showcase the students’ very own apparel that has been painstakingly created, designed and constructed during their class time in a fashion show that is open to the public and judged by industry professionals.
Approximately 500 people attended the entirely student-run fashion show titled “Gilded Noir” May 23 at 7 p.m., where 15 apparel design and merchandising management majors showcased their designs on a runway built in the CH2M Hill alumni center.
This year, the range of apparel on display demonstrated the versatility of the students’ skills. High fashion was mixed with athletic apparel, apparel inspired by the great Northwest, a line inspired by a Las Vegas wedding, maternity clothing and casual, everyday-wear.
Marianne Egan, Senior Instructor of Apparel Design and instructor for the fashion show class, was pleased with the outcome of the show, and said she enjoys watching the experiential learning process.
“The class is always a group of hardworking students who learn far more than they imagined when the initially applied to be in the class,” said Egan. “This year, my students were led by an amazing leader, Megan Keough. Her leadership skills and attention to detail are what kept the entire process smooth and enjoyable. I loved watching her and the entire class grow.”
The fashion show concluded with a presentation of awards in various categories, as judged by industry experts. The winners were:
Best Concept Delivery “Story-telling” Award – Hannah Mossman
Best Representation of the Pacific Northwest Award – Abbey Tollefsen
Best Technique and Workmanship Award – Christina Ngo
Best Use of Technique, Innovation and Originality Award – Tayler Worrell
Best RTW Interpretation Award – Ali Denny
The Biggest Statement Award – Elisa Olsen
Judge’s Choice Stand-out Award – Rachel Draper
Best of Show Award – Heidi Ellis
