An evening of fashion

Radford University hosted one of its most fashionable events of the year, the 2016 Spring Fashion Show on March 19. The annual Department of Design event, held in Bondurant Auditorium, featured senior designer collections and juried student fashion designed garments.

For some, the night began at the Fashion Fete. The annual fundraising dinner brought together fashion lovers and fans of Radford University student designers in the Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Guests mingled over dinner and received a sneak peak of the Department of Design Senior Exhibition that included senior level work of both fashion and interior design.

Fifty-five attendees to this year’s fete included President Penelope W. Kyle, Board of Visitors Member Callie Dalton ‘82, her brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Angela Moore of Radford, Callie's college roommate and fellow design major, Kathryn Oddo '82, Radford Alumni, The Fashion Fete Committee Hosts and several members of the university faculty and administration. All proceeds from the fete benefited the Department of Design's Speaker Series.

At the show, fete attendees and other fashion lovers from the community were treated to a special presentation.

The design faculty recognized President Kyle for her support of the Design Department and the annual spring fashion show. They commissioned junior fashion design students Allison Martin and Sharon Smith to design a shawl to honor President Kyle’s accomplishments. Martin fabricated it in 100 percent cashmere and rabbit fur and Holly Cline, chair of the Department of Design, presented it to President Kyle, who will retire as RU’s first female president on June 30.

Prior to the presentation, students showed their fashion best.

Four seniors unveiled their collections, each showing different design inspirations. Sculpture and architecture motivated Breege Addo-Collins’ work. EmilyAnne Charest showcased understated elegance. Beauty out of chaos was Destiny Howard’s theme, while Dakota Wells incorporated bold color found in retro art.

Charest won the Senior Collection Award, sponsored by Fashionista Roanoke. They are an aspiring nonprofit, bringing fashion shows and related events to the Roanoke Valley. Through fashion, they raise funds for local charities.

Howard was named Designer of the Year by a jurying committee that included design professionals, many of whom are Radford University alumni.

"These successful professionals work in major fashion markets all over the United States," said Farrell Doss, professor of Design in his opening remarks. "In every aspect of the RU experience, it is critical to maintain alumni involvement with current students."