Woodbury’s 54th Annual Student Fashion Show, InnerVision, will go uptown in downtown on the evening of May 5, with the Millennium Biltmore as its new venue. The event will feature professional runway models showcasing designs by students from Woodbury’s Fashion Design program.
InnerVision provides an unparalleled experience for student designers as they build imagery and press materials for their portfolios. Fashion mavens, aspiring designers, industry professionals, Woodbury alumni, business leaders and local media will all gather along the runway at the event to enjoy what promises to be a memorable display of student talent and creativity.
This year’s theme, InnerVision, embodies the notion that the art of fashion is all about creating stories and tapping emotions. “Through their designs, students craft a narrative that builds emotional connections with the audience – a narrative that ultimately reflects a personal inner vision,” said Sue Vessella, Dean, School of Media, Culture & Design. “Students have challenged themselves to give their designs meaning, context, and relevance through both their vision and their fastidious tailoring and craftsmanship.”
The Fashion Design program at Woodbury, which celebrated its 85th anniversary last year, has had a long association with Hollywood designers. Famed fashion and costume designer, Howard Greer, was instrumental in creating the first professional costume design training offered by Woodbury in 1931, and William Travilla, famous for his Marilyn Monroe designs, was a Woodbury graduate.
“Our Fashion Design program has a storied and long tradition of fashion runway events for over a half a century,” said Anna Leiker, chair of department. “Buoyed by the ongoing support of alumni, donors and sponsors, the Fashion Show is a seminal moment for our students and helps launch their careers in the fashion industry. It’s an honor to be a part of it!”
An addition to this year’s event is the ‘Off Runway Senior Fashion Design Competition,’ sponsored by Ricki Steele, spouse of Woodbury President David Steele-Figueredo. A dozen graduating seniors were asked to design Ms. Steele’s jacket for the fashion show. They each submitted sketches and fabric recommendations based on her style preferences. Fashion design student Merced Jackson, came out on top, winning a cash award for her contemporary, tailored block print design.
Click for ticket and sponsorship information