Runway to Dazzle with Innovative Student Designs
See the cutting-edge designs of Buffalo State fashion students and alumni during Runway, the college’s annual fashion extravaganza, on Saturday, April 25, at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall.
Colleen Young, senior communication major, will serve as master of ceremonies for the afternoon show and Cierra Johnson, of WKBW-Channel 7, will take on that role for the evening show. This year’s theme is “Innovation,” which correlates with the college’s celebration of Year of the Innovator.
“Students have created designs that aren’t repetitive or often seen,” said Erin Habes, lecturer in the Fashion and Textile Technology (FTT) Department, which hosts the event. “They really have been innovative in everything from loungewear to sportswear.”
Runway gives fashion design students a venue for showcasing their creations alongside that of professional designers. For students favoring the business side of fashion, Runway provides them with the opportunity to put together a highly visible event that hundreds of people attend. Runway is also the department’s biggest fundraiser. The Eastman Foundation is this year’s presenting sponsor. All proceeds from tickets and a silent purse auction go to the FTT Department Scholarship Fund. Last year’s Runway raised more than $25,000.
This year’s show includes some innovative elements that set it apart from shows in the past, including the announcement of the winner of the plaid design contest. In the fall, FTT faculty members Elaine Polvinen and Margaret Keef challenged students enrolled in the textile design concentration to design a plaid that will be incorporated into Buffalo State’s merchandise. The entire campus had the chance this spring to vote on their favorite among four finalists. The winning design will be listed in Scotland’s official Register of Tartans.
Also new this year is a contest for local high schools. The high school with the highest number of students attending the show will receive a $500 college scholarship for one of its students. If the student decides to go to Buffalo State, the scholarship increases to $1,000.
In addition to the fashion show itself, FTT students are hosting Runway Spirit Week April 13–17 in the Campbell Student Union and on the third floor of the Technology Building. Models will preview a couple of Runway garments; FTT students will sell tickets to Runway, along with slices of pizza and baked goods as an additional fundraiser for the department.
“We really wanted to build momentum for this year’s show, which is going to be amazing,” said FTT student Breanna Morelli.
General admission tickets for Runway cost $15 for the afternoon show and $10 for students with ID. General admission tickets to the evening show cost $25 while VIP tickets are $100 and include reserved seating, access to a private lounge catered by students in the Hospitality Department, and a swag bag of donated goods from local merchants.