This Friday evening marks the end of an era and the dawn of another as the last fashion show takes place at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design before the Fashion Design and Merchandising Department moves to the new WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. The show will celebrate the dedication and artistry of the program’s students, and an associated event will offer high school students a glimpse into the world of Fashion Design and Merchandising.
The Fashion Design and Merchandising program’s annual fashion show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Erickson Alumni Center, and last approximately two hours. Each year, faculty and students collaborate to choose a theme for the show, and this year’s theme, “Fashioning a New Era,” is particularly fitting. Not only does it acknowledge recent changes in WVU colleges and programs, specifically the merging of the WVU College of Creative Arts and the Reed College of Media into the College of Creative Arts and Media, but it also signifies deeper transformations and growth.
“As an assistant professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising, I might interpret the theme as a powerful reflection on both transition and transformation,” said Angela Uriyo. For seniors, it represents a pivotal moment between the academic and professional phases of their lives. For the fashion program, the move to the College of Creative Arts and Media symbolizes new opportunities.
For Uriyo, though, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey leading up to this moment and look forward to what lies ahead.
“The theme encourages embracing change, fostering creativity and nurturing the next generation of talent in a field that constantly evolves,” said Uriyo.
Fashion Design and Merchandising Professor Colleen Moretz said the fashion department is grateful for the years of support the WVU Davis College has offered, and looks forward to the program’s new opportunities at the College of Creative Arts and Media. Collaborations with the Art Museum of WVU and an international fashion designer are already in progress.
Throughout the past year, sophomore, junior and senior students have been hard at work on design projects that will be presented during the show. These projects range from those inspired by zero waste principles to tributes to renowned fashion designers. Seniors will unveil their capstone collections, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and skills honed during their time in the program. In total, 55 designs will grace the runway, representing countless hours of dedication.
More than just a showcase of talent, the fashion show provides valuable experience as students prepare to enter the professional world. With skilled models and photographers participating, students leave with tangible evidence of their skills for their portfolios. In addition, the strict deadline and preparation process offers students a glimpse into the expectations of a career in design.
“Overall, it’s a bittersweet experience,” said Uriyo. “While I’m thrilled to see them succeed and step out into the world, there’s a poignant acknowledgement that they are moving on. This event isn’t just a showcase of their work; it’s a milestone in their lives and a stepping stone into their future careers.”
In addition to the fashion show, the day will feature the first Behind the Scenes event, offering prospective designers a firsthand look at fashion education. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the South Agricultural Sciences Building in Room 141G, attendees will engage in hands-on activities, interact with faculty and students and gain insight into the program’s offerings.
“Overall, the Behind the Scenes event is designed to be informative, engaging and inspiring, making it a perfect platform for high school students to solidify their interest in fashion design and merchandising or to discover a new passion for the field,” said Uriyo.
Attendees will leave with a newfound passion for design, or a fresh confidence in their decision to pursue fashion at WVU — after all, it may not be as daunting as some prospective designers think. Many students arrive to their first design classes with no prior drawing or sewing skills. Then, just a mere year or two later, they’re presenting their original, handcrafted designs to seasoned experts and fashion enthusiasts.
As the evening draws to a close, a select few students will be awarded for their work, competing for titles bestowed by local and national experts in the fashion industry.
Tickets can be purchased online for $30 or at the door on the day of the event for $35. The Behind the Scenes event is an additional $10 and registration is requested. Find tickets at tinyurl.com/ydxxwsed and tinyurl.com/2m47kfwp, or on the WVU Davis College Facebook page.
Uriyo, Moretz and their classes of up-and-coming fashion designers invite the community to don their finest attire and stop by for an evening of artistry and evolution.
“This really shows the culmination of the whole year of what the students have been working on,” said Moretz. “[The students] are so excited and so proud of what they’ve done, and they really want others to see it.”
