Video by Avery Martin and Ashur Lockrem
The annual Colorado State University student fashion show, hosted by the Department of Design and Merchandising, displayed the diversity of fashion and style from cities and cultures across the globe and through time.
The theme for the 2023 fashion show was “City Strut: The Sidewalk is Your Catwalk.” Seventeen designers displayed their senior capstone collections, worn by over 60 models. These collections represented skills and knowledge that students in the apparel design and production concentration gained through the rigorous courses in the apparel and merchandising major that emphasized experience and preparation for students planning to work in the fashion industry.
Planning to production
For graduating senior designer Graeme MacInnis, the fashion show has been an integral part of his time at CSU. Last year, he served on the show’s planning committee; this year, he saw his product line on the runway.
“Design and Merchandising is really hard,” MacInnis said in an interview before the show. “Today, before I came here, I looked in the mirror and was like, if I could walk up to myself from four years ago, and see the person I’ve become, see what the rigorousness of this school and the course work was able to get out of me, it’s more than I ever thought I would be capable of doing.”
MacInnis attributes his success to his professors and support he’s received from a number of individuals throughout the department.
17 collections
The student designers found inspiration from many sources and were asked to embody individualism within their collections. They were given the creative freedom to design what speaks to them and conducted research on target markets, price points, and more as a part of their capstone project. Collection themes varied including punk-rock, ’90s club attire, western wear, and yoga athleisure.
MacInnis’s collection “Simulation 007” aimed to address a hybrid work structure for men, blending the virtual and physical world for those who work in digital industries. Lauren Cunningham’s “Chaotic Order” was influenced by ancient Greek history, myths, architecture, and environment.
Community builds cities
The show was produced and promoted by undergraduate and graduate students in the interdisciplinary DM 474 class: Fashion Show Production and Event Planning. Students enrolled in DM 474 represent all three concentrations within the apparel and merchandising major including apparel design and production, merchandising, and product development. This creates an environment where students engage in creative and innovative collaboration en route to executing the event.
After establishing the show’s title and theme, the class divided into four committees with one common goal: to highlight the senior collections in an inspiring and dedicated display of fun, fashion, and tribute. The committee’s responsibilities focused on the areas of promotion and publicity, model and garment management, sponsorship and VIP reception, and set and stage design.
The audience at the completely sold-out show included designers’ family members, alumni, donors, industry partners, and faculty who witnessed how the skills students gained in the Apparel and Merchandising Program have prepared them for their next steps in the industry.
Several local sponsors helped the students execute their blueprint of a city of creativity, including ArtoCade Inc., Repeat Boutique, Tula Boutique, LifeWTR/PepsiCo., Christy Sports, Pilar Boutique, and SuhSushi Korean BBQ. These sponsors helped the fashion show in multiple ways, by providing in-kind donations to aid in the production of the event as well as monetary donations.
Industry judges
Three industry experts from the fashion industry judged the student collections: Laura Coates, owner of Seventy West mobile and online boutique in Denver; Giovonni Carter (’19), a handbag designer at Coach; and Lady Soule (’02), creative director at Urban Outfitters. The judges spent the hours before the show examining the detailed construction of each collection and chose the final award winners after seeing each piece modeled in the show.
Student awards
Grace Song was awarded “Excellence in Innovation” for her collection “Kuro.Song.” Song is from Shanghai, China. Her collection is designed for East Asians currently living in the United States, or people in the United States and Europe who are interested in East Asian culture. Song’s garments integrate natural beauty into daily life, perfect for “a stylish woman who spontaneously shows her girly spirit in life.”
Zach Stevens took home honors in “Excellence in Design” for his collection “A Wear.” Stevens is a proud dad and aspiring fashion designer. Influenced by punk rock and rebellious art, Stevens’ collection showcased innovative, utilitarian designs.
Krystin Ronish won “Excellence in Construction” for her collection “KR Ranch.” Ronish’s collection highlighted her admiration for the Western aesthetic. Her interest in country music and passion for vintage Western wear were the main inspirations for her collection.
Sarah Smith earned the “Best in Show” award for her collection “Educated Guesses?” Her collection celebrated things that bring people together while emphasizing an environmentally conscious mindset through design. Smith leaves the department with aspirations of working in sustainable fashion.
Yvonne Li’s “Award for Excellence” came with a cash prize furnished by an anonymous donor for her collection, “Nectar.” Li demonstrated her drive to be a sustainable fashion designer who breaks social norms through her collection, which was crafted with an empowering message to help endangered bee species.
More ‘City Strut’
Read more about the fashion show, student designers, sponsors, and class in the event program, and view photos. And be sure to follow @CSUFashionShow on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to know when tickets go on sale for next year.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.