Runway 6.0 Takes Inspiration from City

The Fashion and Textile Technology Department will showcase the best work of students, faculty, alumni, and Western New York designers during Runway 6.0, the department’s annual spring fashion extravaganza, Saturday, April 27.

For the first time, Runway will take place in the renovated Social Hall on the third floor of Campbell Student Union. In two shows, 3:00 and 8:00 p.m., 100 models will display the latest in spring fashion created by 20 student designers alongside professionals. The designs represent the theme “City/bits, City/bytes,” which is connected to Buffalo State’s 2012-2013 campaign, the Year of the City.

“Our students have created insightful collections that offer an interesting way of looking at our city with a bit or a byte of an idea,” said Erin Habes, Runway 6.0 coordinator and lecturer of fashion and textile technology. “Our designers gathered inspiration from Buffalo’s rich history and culture—from sweet shops on Elmwood Avenue to architectural gems.”

The clothes range from leather dresses to tulle skirts, noted Kit Sombke, a senior fashion merchandising major who is helping to organize the event.

“Some of the clothes—very artistic pieces—you wouldn’t wear, but others you definitely would. There is one dress I’m in love with that was created by a senior (student) designer.”

Visitors from Beijing, China, provide another new element to this year’s Runway show. Four students and two faculty members from Beijing University of Technology’s College of Art and Design will participate as part of a brand-new exchange program between the two institutions.  

“We plan on having a class tutorial on 3D design for them, will include some of their garments in Runway, and take them to sites around Buffalo that will inspire their design future,” said Lynn M. Boorady, chair and associate professor of fashion and textile technology. “We want to arrange an ongoing exchange between our faculty and students in which they will visit us for two to three weeks around the time of our fashion show each year. In return, they will host us on a visit to Beijing in 2014.”

Tickets to Runway’s afternoon show are $15 for the general public and $10 for students. Evening show tickets are $20 for everyone. Limited VIP tickets also are available for $100 and include reserved seating, a pre-party reception catered by Buffalo State’s Hospitality and Tourism students, and a swag bag.

Regular tickets are available at Wegmans, the Rockwell Hall Box Office, online through the Performing Arts Center and by calling (716) 878-3005. VIP tickets may be purchased through the School of the Professions Dean’s Office at (716) 878-4698 and www.bscrunway.com.

Sponsors: Cotton Inc., Eastman Machine Co., New Era, Block Club, Buffalo Spree magazine, Buffalo.com, M&T Bank, and Dual Printing.