Threads Fashion Show expected to bring crowd of 1,200 to McGuirk Saturday

(File photo by Ashley Miller)

Thirty-nine student designers will send their work down the runway Saturday evening in the 14^th annual Threads Fashion Show.

The event, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will feature more than 180 models walking down a runway in McGuirk Arena in front of an expected crowd of 1,200.

Mount Pleasant senior and co-producer Jason Gagnon said the show, often considered one of the top three largest events on campus, continues to cost more than $10,000 to produce.

This year’s “time”-themed show is completely student-run and advised by Apparel Merchandising and Design professor Carol Beard. Each designer/duo will interpret and modernize a time period that ranges from Ancient Egypt to the 1980s and the future.

“There are 33 individual designers and three designer duos with a total of 36 collections,” Gagnon said.

Designer Lindsey Peters said she is excited to see how everyone portrays their time period.

“I’m really excited to see what everyone else has been working on,” the Warren junior said. “I am also super excited for my family to come and see what I’ve been doing.”

Numerous changes were added to the constitution this year to make the show bigger and better, Gagnon said.

This year, there will be a square stage not only to create interest but to provide multiple views for guests, said co-producer Laura Czupinski.

“While there is not a bad seat in the house, we like to improve the experience and opportunity for guests each year,” the Fraser senior said.

In addition to the new VIP seating, the VIP guests will be seated early where they can watch videos that document the time put into Threads, she said.

There will also be a panel of eight individuals involved in the fashion industry judging the designs.

“We really wanted to provide a greater opportunity for our designers and incorporate industry professionals outside of CMU,” Czupinski said. “Guests will also watch designs come down the runway that reflect the designers’ skill level, which enhances what they have learned throughout their time at CMU.”

As a sophomore, designers can use altered patterns. For juniors, half of their designs can be altered and half original. Seniors must create their own designs.

Leading up to the show is what Threads members call Fashion Week.

“We have a plethora of events for students to attend,” Gagnon said.

In addition to a T-shirt reconstruction contest, a display of designs will be in the hallway of the library throughout the week, Czupinski said.

“I am looking forward to seeing everyone who has been involved in this show feel accomplished, proud and excited,” Czupinski said. “I am so glad to be a part of this team of production members and designers.”

Tickets will be sold until the day of the show and are available through the ticket box office located at the Events Center or online at threadsfashionshow.com.