Beyond the Runway

A display of talent, dedication, passion and creativity on one stage.

Give to the Fashion Show Fund

It’s a fashion designer’s dream to showcase their vision on the runway. For students of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Apparel Design and Merchandising, a runway event for students’ design creations is just the beginning. TRENDS Apparel Design and Merchandising (ADM) annual Fashion Show is a student-led production from concept to completion.

The TRENDS Fashion Show encourages students to push the boundaries beyond classroom learning into a full-scale production. Your gift puts the power of production and design into students’ hands, increasing their knowledge of business, marketing and the fashion industry.

Now in its 40th year, the TRENDS Fashion Show is an opportunity for senior ADM students to gain confidence and show off their talents to an audience that attracts about 400 attendees each year. Producing the show starts with the conception of the first pattern drawings and concludes with models parading designs on the runway. However, the large-scale event also requires students to select the theme, venue, model and music as well as invite industry professionals to serve as hosts and judges. From start to finish, the TRENDS Fashion Show gives students practical, hands-on experience needed to succeed in the fashion industry.

The glamorous event is also a competition among the senior student designers, giving them a chance to put their passion and creativity on display to earn first, second and third place awards. The panel of fashion industry judges select winners based on trend awareness and marketability, creativity, and construction design.

The TRENDS Fashion Show encourages students to push the boundaries beyond classroom learning into a full-scale production. Your gift puts the power of production and design into students’ hands, increasing their knowledge of business, marketing and the fashion industry.