Editor’s note: This is the first part in a series of stories about the textiles and apparel seniors and their fashion show held at the end of the semester.
Within the halls of the School of Human Ecology lies the University’s very own Project Runway. But despite being an extensive branch on campus, the textiles and apparel program remains unknown to many.
Each semester, graduating seniors in the apparel program put on a fashion show. They are required to create four garments: a bridal or evening gown and a collection of three additional outfits, all with a common theme and a target audience.
Today, the students will turn in the first outfit from their collection.
“I think [the professors] want us to put things on the runway that look like professionally made garments,” said textiles and apparel senior Megan Tovar. “[They want to see] that we have done a good job of taking what we draw on paper and translating that into an actual three-dimensional garment.”
Few degree paths are as complex as apparel design. The fundamentals of fashion extend far past a creative eye, and the knowledge required is staggering. Students who apply to the program within the College of Natural Sciences must meet diverse of requirements and have a borderline obsession for the industry. Those considered for the major are required to already have a strong foundation in business and science, as well as in the art and technology of design.
“The students need to be familiar with the art of taking an idea from an initial inspiration all the way through to designing a coherent collection that has style and is innovative and that brings good fabrics together in a harmonious and exciting manner,” said Eve Nicols, a senior lecturer in the program.
The path to a high-quality, high-fashion garment is different from what is depicted on television, according to several professors in the program.
While television shows present the process from the fashion designer’s perspective, the apparel design program focuses on teaching the students how to make even the most basic clothing.
Once accepted into apparel design, fashion students’ first assignment is to construct a T-shirt. Throughout their curriculum, students study topics ranging from the delicate chemistry of fabric to the fashion marketing industry to the design technology.
The senior year is the final test of the students’ abilities. They make use of their studies in technology and art to painstakingly transform a concept into an article of clothing. They clock in a minimum of 19 hours a week in class and lab time throughout their final semester to create a unique and quality piece.
As of now, the students have already fabricated their gowns; their talents will be further tested this semester as they construct the remaining three garments.
In addition to a looming deadline, the budding designers endure an analysis from the textiles and apparel program’s version of “Project Runway” judges: A trio of retailers, designers and fashion journalists critique each completed piece.
Students are judged on the innovation and quality of design, appropriateness for the market and technical ability. The panel then determines the top three designs. The verdict will be considered when awards are presented at the end-of-semester fashion show. The show is a hybrid of graduation and fashion week for the program. Held at the Erwin Center, the event drew nearly 5,000 guests last year.
“It’s hard to explain how wonderful it is each year to see them go from just beginning to understand how everything comes together and how all the different aspects from things they’ve been learning all culminate in this semester, where they bring it together and they present themselves,” Nicols said.
3 comments
I think the word choice here shows an underlying assumption that fashion is for girls who think math is hard. Of course, sewing requires math and engineering skills, and fashion requires business skills.
Staggering. Pfft.