Campus was alive with color, creativity and couture as Kent State’s School of Fashion hosted its highly anticipated Annual Fashion Show Hall of Fame Gala Saturday. Students, faculty and guests gathered to experience a showcase of student-designed collections, blending bold innovation with timeless style.
The gala, held in Crawford Hall, showcased the months of preparation students did behind the scenes. The runway became a stage for emerging talent to shine.
Ava Trainer, a freshman fashion merchandising major, shared a glimpse behind the scenes of the show, emphasizing the hard work that made the event possible.
“A lot goes into preparing for this show,” Trainer said. “We hired dressers, answered lots of emails and planned every last detail concerning the garments.”
For many students, getting ready for the runway took more than just final fittings and last-minute adjustments. Riley Sipe, a sophomore fashion design major, modeled in the show and shared how important it was to focus on personal preparation, too.
“To prepare for the runway, I make sure I am hydrated so I don’t faint, as I have a condition called [Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome],” Sipe said. “I also make sure to break in whatever shoes I’m wearing so I am as comfortable as possible.”
Backstage, the pressure was just as intense as on the runway, Trainer said, who worked as a dressing coordinator for the show.
“Dressing models can be a challenging job overall because there is a lot of pressure,” she said. “Everything must be done exactly right, but also very carefully and quickly to keep garments intact and get models ready in time to walk. The hardest part is trying to keep everyone on track and on time while also staying organized.”
While the backstage rush can be overwhelming for some, Trainer said it’s one of the most exciting parts of the experience.
“My favorite part of working behind the scenes in these shows is how chaotic and busy it gets,” she said. “I enjoy rushing around under pressure because it is a rewarding feeling when things go smoothly because of my hard work.”
For Sipe, fashion isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifelong passion and a powerful form of self-expression.
“Fashion is my whole life,” she said. “I have been sewing since I was about 8-years-old, and going into college, I knew that I wanted to do something fashion-related. Fashion is a universal language. It is a way for someone to communicate who they are without even having to speak a word, which is what I love the most about it.”
While Sipe finds her voice through design, others involved in the show looked forward to seeing how each collection brought unique styles to life on the runway. From bold accessories to creative silhouettes, every look added to the vibrant energy of the event.
“I don’t have a specific look I am excited for, but there is a collection involving bright pink platform heels that I adore,” Trainer said.
As the show came to a close, it was clear that the Kent State fashion program played a pivotal role in shaping the students’ journeys. For Sipe, the experience was more than just academic.
“I absolutely love the Kent State fashion program and everyone involved in it,” she said. “I have met so many wonderful people through this program and learned so much about who I am as a person and a designer.”
Sipe offered advice to students thinking about stepping onto the runway next year.
“Just do it,” she said. “It is the perfect way to put yourself out there without being part of a super competitive environment and being around people that love doing the same thing as you.”
Savannah Carroll is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
