Student-designed apparel is headed for the runway. The Fashion, Apparel and Business Organization at NDSU has organized “Fresh,” a fashion show to showcase students’ original designs along with clothing offered by 19 area retailers. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, at noon in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
The show will feature approximately 20 garments designed by 16 students, including day dresses and formal dresses, jackets and pants. One featured item is a pair of pants made with custom-dyed denim.
Most of the student-designed apparel was created during three classes – Pattern Drafting and Grading; Product Development: Designing Pants; and Apparel Construction and Fit. Many of the student designers will model their own pieces.
At the event a freewill donation will be collected to support Dress for Success Red River Valley of the Upper Midwest, a non-profit operation that provides professional or work-appropriate clothing for women entering or reentering the workforce. Donations also will be used for the FABO Scholarship Fund.
The event is open to the public. North Dakota and Minnesota high schools have been invited and more than 150 high school students are expected to attend.
In addition to the fashion show, class projects from students in hospitality and tourism management; interior design; and apparel, retail merchandising and design programs will be displayed in the Memorial Union’s Hidatsa room from 10:30 a.m. to noon and after the show until 1:30 p.m.
Linda Manikowske, adviser for the student organization and associate professor of apparel and textiles, said the fashion show provides students with multiple professional development opportunities. “As they chair various committees, the students gain transferrable skills, such as problem solving, networking, time management, cooperation and the ability to motivate others.”
This is the 12th year the Fashion, Apparel and Business Organization has sponsored the event. The organization is for students who have an interest in fashion retailing, merchandising, design and product development. It helps students gain leadership skills and provides networking, community service and industry-related opportunities.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
