GALLERY: Threads Fashion Show takes audience of 1,000 through time with modernized designs
Months of preparation came down to minutes on the runway for 39 student designers in the 14th annual Threads Fashion Show Saturday night.
One hundred and eighty student models showcased modern designs drawing on themes ranging from Ancient Egypt to futuristic.
About 1,000 people attended the “time” themed event in McGuirk Arena produced by seniors Jason Gagnon of Riverdale and Laura Czupinski of Fraser. The student-run organization is advised by Apparel Merchandising and Design professor Carol Beard.
After each set of models walked down the runway, the designer of the collection came out for an ovation and was notified if they won an award based on the decision of a judging panel of eight, who ranked the collections Friday night at a rehearsal.
Gagnon, along with partner Megan Webster, a Fenton junior, won five awards including collection of the year.
“It was a great moment,” he said about hearing the congratulations as he walked down the stage. “We put countless hours into this collection and I wanted to make sure the collection was as impeccable as I could make it.”
In addition to individual awards, multiple “designer of the year” awards were given out to students of different grade levels.
Winners included Saline sophomore Kristine Opaleski, Clio junior Ashley Hetzer and graduate student Hae Joo Lee.
An opportunity to work with Project Runway contestant Johnathan Kayne was awarded to Romeo senior Justine Young. Kayne personally selected Young as someone he would like to work with based on her collection. Either her current design will be produced in his line or she will be collaborating with the designer himself.
“I am beyond excited,” she said. “It is a huge honor to be chosen by an industry designer and professional who recognized my potential and would want to work with me.”
First-time designer Kayla Ingersoll used her love of art history to inspire her Ancient Egypt designs.
“I took inspiration historically how Egypt had an upper and lower Egypt and one had a white crown and one had a red crown,” the Shepherd senior said. “And when they united together, I wanted to show that in my designs by using red and white and putting them together.”
While in the audience to support their daughter, senior Natalie Wolenberg, Auburn Hills residents Mary and Dan Wolenberg said they enjoyed the event.
“We’re just hoping there’s a job all at the end of this,” Dan Wolenberg said. “At the very end, somebody stands up and says they all have jobs.”
