In the News: Alumna Earns Honors for Fashion Designs

Fashion designer Katie Gariepy, ’12, is trending. With her stylish, yet practical clothing and accessories, the Buffalo-based business owner has made a splash in online marketplaces like Etsy.

Now the young entrepreneur is also earning accolades from the media. Gariepy was recently named Best Fashion Designer in Artvoice’s annual Best of Buffalo poll and was profiled in the Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun.

Gariepy acquired hands-on design experience through Buffalo State’s annual fashion show, Runway, and cited two fashion and textile technology faculty members, Elaine Polvinen, professor; and Erin Habes, lecturer, as mentors.

“Elaine always brought up my website,” Gariepy said. “I’ve had my website since I was 15 and it’s awesome that she acknowledged it and thought students should know what other students were doing.”

The aspiring fashion mogul's website includes blog posts, a portfolio, and an online store where customers can peruse the designer’s line of unique handmade bags, jewelry, and dreamcatchers.

“I love to see when people are using things that I made,” she said.