New York Fashion Week comes to Buffalo on April 11, when Buffalo State College students stage and strut their own red carpet extravaganza during Gusto at the Gallery at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

The event, which is open to all, will feature spring and fall fashion collections from area retailers, as well as student designs. All the trappings of Fashion Week will come into play, including paparazzi, music, lighting and a Joan Rivers-type character giving fashionista barbs and probing guests, "... and who are we wearing tonight?"

"This is the place to be on April 11," said Erin Habes who teaches Fashion Show Production at Buffalo State College. "Dress up or come as you are and enjoy the show." In addition to teaching at Buffalo State, Habes also owns the trendy Elmwood boutique "Sweet and Dirty." After graduation from Buffalo State in 2003, she pursued a career in New York City's fashion industry and then returned to Buffalo to open her store, which specializes in edgy clothes and retro candy.

Aptly named, "The Runway", the fashion show is a collaboration of students in Habes' fashion production class and senior students in David Brinson's fashion technology class. Habes' students are studying how to produce a fashion show while Brinson's are into fashion design and creation, from concept through manufacturing.

In the spirit of popular TV programs like "Project Runway," Brinson's students will present their collections to a panel of judges who select six for "The Runway" event. Each of those students will not only design six outfits for their collection, they'll also produce them for the Fashion Show. Women's and men's ready-to-wear from local boutiques will round out the show.

"This is a great glimpse at student work, local retail offerings - and what goes on behind the scenes at one of these high profile events," said Brinson, who is a lecturer in the Buffalo State Fashion Technology Department. "It's a lot of work and a great experience for the students -- and a lot of fun for the audience."
The fashion and textile technology program at Buffalo State is the only baccalaureate program in Western New York that offers career preparation for the multifaceted, global fashion industry. Students have achieved top honors in national apparel and textile competitions.
Mark your calendars: Friday, April 11, 8 p.m., Clifton Hall at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. For more information about attending or participating in this free event, call Habes at (716) 628.9244.