The Fashion School at Kent State University presented the 34th annual fashion show at Rockwell Hall on April 29 and 30, 2016. Here are just a few notable facts about this year's show, "FS²: Crescendo":
The show comprised 18 collections and 93 individual looks, all created by student designers. The work spanned casualwear, eveningwear, sportswear and children’s wear, with a special category for sustainable design. An outside panel of industry critics and jurors selected the work to appear in the show.
A total of $12,000 in awards was presented to the student designers who created the winning collections and looks. The “Best in Show” award ($1,500) went to senior Kara Kroeger, who will also represent Kent State University at the Supima Design Competition during New York Fashion Week in September. (See below for the complete list of award winners.)
Six of the senior collections in “Crescendo” were recently shown at China Fashion Week in Beijing. Those students included Kara Kroeger as well as other award winners Calvin Brant (Couture/Conceptual Award), Dior Delophont (TechStyleLAB Award) and Abby Steger (Knitwear Award).
Designer and business leader Josie Natori, CEO and founder of The Natori Company, is the latest fashion luminary to be inducted into the Fashion School Hall of Fame during the Annual Fashion Show. Previous inductees include Estee Lauder, Elsa Klensch, Allen Questrom, Michael Weiss, Ralph Rucci, Oscar de la Renta, Leonardo Ferragamo, Dana Buchman and Tom Cole (former Macy’s CAO and Kent State alumnus).
Initially displayed in the school’s Fashion Library during “Crescendo,” portfolios by graduating design and merchandising students will be shown at an upcoming industry portfolio showcase in New York. The annual event, hosted by the Fashion School’s NYC Studio, offers graduating seniors a chance to network with industry leaders and Fashion School alumni.
Several little black dresses (“LBDs”) seen on the runway during “Crescendo” are available for purchase in a variety of sizes at the Fashion School Store, located in downtown Kent.
"FS²: Crescendo" Video
Award Winners
- Flat Pattern Award (sponsored by Andrea Senich) — Natalie Smith
- Draping Award (sponsored by Dr. Carol Cartwright) — Kristen Faber
- Children’s Wear Award (sponsored by Christianna M. Elridge) — Leah Haynes
- Knitwear Award (sponsored by Karen and Ken Conley) — Abby Steger
- Sustainable Practices Award (sponsored by Jerry and Christie Payto) — Abby Andrews
- Couture/Conceptual Award (sponsored by Robert Geertman and Jay Lewis) — Calvin Brant, “Absent Legion”
- Evening Wear Award (sponsored by Weissman Theatrical Supplies, Inc.) — Remi Nguyen
- Sportswear Award (sponsored by Kent State University Athletics) — Delinda Starks, “Amphibious”
- TechStyleLAB Award (sponsored by Kelly and Michael Phillips) — Dior Delophont
- Most Market Ready Award (sponsored by Jodi Sittig) — Lizz Henrich, “Gadgeteer”
- SuedeSAYS® Award (sponsored by Suede) — Zane Lehman
- Supima Design Competition Nominee (sponsored by Supima®) — Kara Kroeger
- Best in Show Award (sponsored by Dillard’s) — Kara Kroeger, “Occupy Everything”