Mount Mary University held its first student fashion show in 1968, inside a small campus gathering room without a real runway. Nearly six decades later, the annual showcase is a packed spectacle – three shows in one day that sell out and draw in our area’s fashionistas. And it remains entirely student-led. This year’s theme, “Fashion Framed,” was decided before the Met Gala’s theme, but they both involve reimagining fashion as visual art.
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The show features collections by student designers who collaborate with fashion business students. Assistant professor Patricia Kuehnl describes the upcoming show as “a celebration of student vision.” The production also brings in cosmetology students from Waukesha County Technical College to do hair and makeup. This year’s open model call drew its largest turnout yet, with 78 auditioning in addition to 40 models invited to return from last year. The show will feature 70-80 of them.
Students spend months planning the show – from initial fabrics to final walk-throughs. “They’re working on this stuff nonstop,” says Ashley Brooks, division chair of arts and design. “We find them sleeping in the labs at night. A lot of blood, sweat and tears all go pouring into these garments.”
Senior Julianna Yang has learned all sides of the show. She first participated during her freshman year as a model. Now, she coordinates the business side. “I get to see others bring out that vision,” she says. “Managing and planning out everything made me really excited to see the final result.”
The show is May 8 in the Alumnae Dining Hall of Bergstrom Hall.
