Speakers pounded with modern music beats as student models showcased the work of motivated up-and-coming student designers. With a spotlight on the catwalk surrounded by three rows of VIP guests, photographers and press, SADA President Meredith Gruszka said the show’s sense of professionalism and class was effectively executed. The event also required a year of preparations and planning done by the SADA Executive Board and the help of SADA faculty adviser Carol Beard.

“We wanted it to look professional because we really care about this, and it was really important to put on a good show,” Gruszka said. “A lot of people don’t know about the apparel textile and design major, and for the outside communities, this is their only exposure to us.”

With a large vision in mind, Gruszka and SADA executive board members reached out to the Lansing and East Lansing communities. The show also featured the most student designers in its history.

The judged fashion show’s theme, the art of fashion, was a key part of the designers’ inspiration for their collections. Once designers applied to be part of the fashion show, they were randomly given the name of an artist meant to inspire and challenge them to create designs relating to the artist’s style, art movement and color schemes, Beard said.

“The theme the art of fashion made it a success, and it’s such a great theme to have because fashion is art. Not only is it art, it’s live art,” Gruszka said. “We live our lives in it, and most people don’t think of fashion as art, but whether you think you’re involved in it or not, you are.”

Winning most creative for her designs inspired by cubist artist Kasimir Malevich, apparel and textile design senior Lauren Paulauskas said she tried to focus her innovative designs on reflecting geometric shapes and creating straight angular lines on the curved body.

Paulauskas said brainstorming alternative techniques was crucial to the design’s success and complex idea.

After unexpectedly winning most creative, she plans to participate in next year’s show, she said.

Judges were faced with the hard task of narrowing down the designers into five winning categories.
Beard said there were many designers who could have been declared winners.

“I think it’s just the hardest working group I’ve ever had,” Beard said. “I love each and every one of those kids, and the show is very personal to me because I spend so much time with them.