As an apparel and merchandising major from Lakewood, Colorado, Graeme MacInnis strives to infuse his own style into traditional menswear, while implementing what he has learned in the apparel design and production concentration in Colorado State University’s Department of Design and Merchandising.
MacInnis is being recognized as an outstanding graduate of the department for his leadership, work ethic, and original and outstanding ideas in design.
Growing up in Lakewood, Colorado, MacInnis came to CSU “after finding out about the top-tier apparel design program just an hour and a half north of where I call home.”
MacInnis struggled to initially find his bearings in the Department of Design and Merchandising during the COVID pandemic.
“COVID altered my academic experience greatly. So much of an apparel design program can’t be done online, and a huge part of the industry is about who you know so having social experiences completely altered really limited the relationships my classmates and I were able to form at CSU,” he said.
While the online format presented challenges, MacInnis was able to persevere and form strong connections with Kevin Kissell, assistant professor in the department and David Russon, an independent patternmaker that MacInnis had the chance to work with.
MacInnis was also a recipient of the prestigious Fashion Scholarship Fund award during his time at CSU, a national award which included a large scholarship and a trip to New York City.
“The ability to uphold high expectations and get the most out of me as a student while still adapting to unforeseen circumstances presented by COVID is something I will always be grateful for,” said MacInnis. “I am also grateful for Kevin taking me on as a mentee for Fashion Scholarship Fund, ultimately helping me succeed with that and to David for being an infinite well of wisdom when it comes to apparel construction,”
Impactful work and designs
MacInnis was adept in his work at CSU, pushing the boundaries of design.
His capstone collection, “SIMULATION 007” works to extend the line of menswear to be more out-of–the-ordinary. MacInnis also worked on his award-winning Fashion Scholarship Fund collection titled, “PsClo.”
“My proudest accomplishments while at CSU are my two Fashion Scholarship Fund projects, the CSUFITTED Instagram page, and most of my apparel design capstone,” said MacInnis.
The CSU FITTED page that MacInnis helps run, which is a collection of fashionable and unique outfits that students have worn on campus, is another example of his ability to think outside the box.
MacInnis has not only worked to develop his own outstanding work, but he has enhanced the department as well.
“Graeme is a very hard worker, a mentor among his peers, and a leader in the department,” said Erin Meier, academic success coordinator in the department. “He stands out with his work ethic and positivity. All faculty know and appreciate Graeme with his thoughtfulness and dedication to his studies in a female-dominated major on campus,” After graduation, MacInnis will be completing a summer internship. Nearing graduation and pushing past the struggles that COVID presented, MacInnis reminisces on his time as a CSU student.
“I’ve been able to meet great and talented people and form great friendships with people from across the country and through community efforts,” said MacInnis.
“It’s hard to pinpoint one thing I will miss the most about CSU, but the community of authentic people I get see every day brings a lot of good into my life and I will be sorry to say goodbye to that,” he said.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.