The annual CSU Fashion Show, sponsored by the Department of Design and Merchandising, was presented on April 6 at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center. The event showcased 24 senior designers’ collections and 30 designs by students in the Draping Class, with the “SPECTRUM” theme encompassing the diversity portrayed in every aspect of the fashion show’s development.
Students in the apparel design and production concentration worked hard to create their final designs for this exceptional showcase of talent, and four awards were handed out to recognize the most exemplary work produced for the fashion show. Learn more about the awardees below.
Erika Quinones: Most Innovative
Erika Quinones is currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She will be interning in New York City for the summer. Quinones’ collection, Outland, is inspired by the desert landscapes of her home Ely, Nevada. Choosing textiles from ritual denim to silk sueded charmeuse produces the expression of a small-town farm girl who can rock the city streets. The collection includes overalls and button-downs with verve and originality as well as dresses with equal charisma.
Lauren Bruce-Lund: Most Marketable
Lauren Bruce-Lund grew up in Vail, Colorado, and has lived in Austin, Texas, for the past 12 years. In Austin, she was the general manager for a dog boarding, grooming, and daycare facility. Wanting to return to her artistic roots, she moved back to CSU to complete her apparel design and production degree. Bruce-Lund is currently interning with Flagpole Swim NYC in New York City. The inspiration for this line comes from Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises paintings. This collection of women’s summer wear is elegant and lively. Fabrics for this line express nature’s power and energy while remaining delicate and feminine. The main design elements are color, strong lines, and unusual angles to create a beautiful collection full of air and life.
Sara Begley: Best Construction
Sara Begley of Colorado Springs interned with Ibex Outdoor Clothing in Vermont in summer 2017. She is currently a technical designer for Wallace James Clothing Co. in Maine (founded by CSU design alumna Kim Ortengren.) Begley has received the Aggie Scholar Award and similar scholarships from the TREA Memorial Foundation. Inspiration for this design line comes from Begley’s active lifestyle and the need for transitional pieces between office, gym, and home. This collection of athleisure clothing is for active, working women. She used performance knit wear and technical fabrics combined with design elements of color blocking and technical details in each garment of this versatile collection.
Nicole Pink: Outstanding Designer
Nicole Pink is from Las Vegas, Nevada. She has enjoyed internships with Anabella Poletti Design House, Buckle and BLANK, and is currently interning for Lela Rose in New York City. She received the Paris American Academy scholarship to study couture design and construction in Paris, France. The inspiration for this collection came from the buildings in Paris. The intrigue of modern and historical architecture gave the juxtaposition of structural and organic. This tailored evening wear line was created to be worn by women with a classic sense of style and modern silhouettes. Corsets structure the inside of garments with hand-sewn appliques. Fabrics for this line include lace, leather, wool, organza, crinoline and tulle.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
