Graduating Designers Share Their Stylish Visions With the World

The Gallagher Center was abuzz with activity for the third annual Fashion Design Film collection preview.

By Brian Hickey May 11, 2023

The third annual Fashion Design Film debuted on May 8 at a live collection preview where fashion design program graduates-to-be told their stories and shared their creations with the world at the Gallagher Athletic, Recreation and Convocation Center.

In recent years, the University’s celebrated in-person fashion show evolved into the Fashion Film presentation. This was, in part, because the pandemic prompted fashion design program leaders to brainstorm how best to celebrate the works of their designers and the faculty who helped them along the way during their time at the University.

2023 Fashion Film and collection preview — More than two dozen models took to the runway at the third annual fashion design program film premiere and collection preview. (Photos by Steve Belkowitz)

This year’s fashion film event was the first to feature a collection preview with 29 models taking to the runway.

Farai Simoyi, the program’s director, says this concept keeps in line with an evolving industry and showcases the students’ designs and their process and inspirations throughout.

“A fashion film is not just a visual representation of clothing; it is a canvas for our fashion design students to express their purest form of artistic expression,” Simoyi says. “It allows for storytelling that transcends time and captures the imagination, the vision and the creativity of our students. Through the lens of the film, our students’ work will forever inspire, excite and evoke emotion. To share their brilliance with the world is an honor.”