Fashion design students put on the glitz

Madison will get its own version of “Project Runway” at the School of Human Ecology’s student fashion show to be held Saturday, May 9, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive (map).

Titled “Flux: A Visual Progression of Design,” the show features stunning and innovative fashion designs and garments created by students studying textiles and apparel in the School of Human Ecology.

“Flux” is organized into three moods. It starts off with softer designs, segues into garments with more transitional flair and ends with edgier creations. The show will hit the runway twice, at 2 and 7 p.m. At both shows, attendees will see some 75 garments strutted on the runway in the 45-minute presentation.

A gallery display of fabrics, textiles, dyed creations, beadwork, accessories and other designs not included in the runway show will be open for an hour before and after each runway show, giving attendees the chance to admire the effort and work that goes into textile art and garment constructions. Some of the gallery items are more structure and sculpture than garment, but are nonetheless textiles.

The runway garments will be modeled by UW–Madison students, who responded to a call for models that was released to campus. Any fan of “Project Runway” knows that hair and makeup are part of the total presentation, complementing and selling a garment – pros from a local beauty salon will provide hair and makeup duties.

This event is organized largely by the Textile and Apparel Students Association and Retailing Club, which currently has some 30 members. And thanks to generous support from Kohl’s Department Stores, the show was moved from its traditional home in Great Hall in the Memorial Union to Monona Terrace. The student fashion show needed to let out its seams as it had outgrown the Great Hall space to put on the event and accommodate the audience.

Tickets to the 2 p.m. show are $10, the 7 p.m. show costs $25. The ticket price includes a reception following each show; the evening show will have more extensive refreshments at the reception.

Tickets are available online through Friday, May 8, and can be picked up at the will-call table prior to the fashion shows. Tickets are going fast, so purchase them online as soon as possible. There will likely be tickets available at the door, especially for the afternoon show, but there are no guarantees, so plan ahead to avoid being disappointed.