30th annual student fashion show set for April 14

fashion

Senior architecture student Sam Mulholland models a jacket designed by Anna Moody, a senior in apparel merchandising, design and production, for the 2012 Fashion Show. Judging for the show took place March 24 in the Memorial Union. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the April 14 runway show. Photo by Allison Butler.

From humble beginnings as a small show in a classroom with enough space for close friends and family, the Textiles and Clothing Fashion Show has grown over three decades, now drawing nearly 2,500 guests each spring to Stephens Auditorium. The 30th annual show will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

Iowa State's event has become the largest student-produced fashion show in the country. It showcases student designs in categories such as street wear, special occasion, eco-friendly, menswear, accessories and experimental. Student models will show more than 100 designs on the runway. An exhibition of entries better suited for display opens at 6 p.m. in the Stephens lobby.

In addition to student designs, this year's show will feature a menswear line by guest designer and alumnus Todd Snyder. Snyder has launched a self-titled collection that was named standout collection at this year's Fashion Week by GQ Magazine.

Snyder, the former vice president of menswear design for J.Crew and co-founder of Tailgate Clothing, Co., also was the guest designer for the 2008 Fashion Show.

He is a nominee for the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Swarovski Award for Menswear, akin to an Academy Award in the fashion industry. The recipient will be announced June 4.

Guest judges

Industry professionals are recruited each year to serve as judges; this year's judging team included:

  • Basia Szkutnicka, study abroad director/design lecturer for the London College of Fashion
  • Lindsay Hillard-Driscoll, ISU alumna and freelance wardrobe stylist with Balan Inc.
  • Emily Hall, designer for American Eagle Kids
  • Dana Bohlen, senior technical designer at Target

Judging took place on March 24, and winners will be announced at the end of the show.

Tickets to the fashion show are $22 ($16 for ISU students with I.D. and children ages 12 and under) at the Stephens ticket office. Tickets also are available online through Ticketmaster (adults $27.50, students $21.35).