BluePrint: The Spring Student Fashion Show
The culmination of the student experience in Minneapolis College’s Apparel Technologies program is the spring fashion show, Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. This year’s show features more than 75 designs made by 18 graduating students, from initial designs to patterns, construction, and fittings.
The work of past designers has set expectations high for a creative, dynamic, and outrageous experience. The show, titled “BluePrint,” will take place in the Minneapolis College Technical Building Plaza and will also be livestreamed.
“The fashion show is the Capstone project for graduating students,” said Renalie Bailey, Apparel Design faculty, instructor for the Capstone course, Clothing Line Design. Bailey serves as a mentor to the students and director for the final event. “Students carry out intensive research on their collections beginning with sketching their original concept, creating custom patterns, sourcing fabrics and materials, creating prototypes, fitting their designs to live models, and refining the final garments.”
A Lesson in Collaboration
As the fashion show approaches, students receive a lesson in collaboration as they work alongside their classmates to bring the event to life. “Patterns and prototypes might be where the students begin their Capstone journey, but there is so much more to ensuring a successful showcase,” said Renalie Bailey. “Leading up to the event, students meet two times per week outside of their regular classes to decide on the event theme, organize and run a model call, solicit local businesses like Spalon Montage to lend their industry expertise, and hire DJs and lighting technicians to work the show.”
Apparel Design students also rely on the expertise of students in other areas of the College. On Friday, March 15, for example, they collaborated with students in the photography department running a six-hour photo shoot. The shoot is an opportunity for Apparel Design students to have their designs professionally photographed, as well as a chance to experience industry expectations in regards to both photographers and models. Students are expected to make final fit adjustments, advise make-up and hair stylists, and direct models and photographers during the shoot to capture their vision.
Students from the Graphic Design department at Minneapolis College also work alongside the designers to create a strong web presence for the students, their designs, and the event.
This year, several Apparel Technologies alumni are returning to support the new designers, helping behind the scenes at large events like model calls, as well as advising students on patterning, construction, and fitting details. Alum James Nelson returned as a paraprofessional, working closely with students throughout the semester on every aspect of their designs, from initial concept to final construction. Current students also participated in the photo shoot as models and stylists, such as Nonny Perry, who took the lead on hair and make-up.
The Minneapolis College Apparel Technologies program offers an associate degree (60 credits), a diploma (32 credits) and a certificate (13 credits), preparing students for a variety of careers in fashion design and visual merchandising. Many students are first-generation college attendees, and a majority of students work and/or care for family while pursuing their studies.