Art, Architecture and the Apocalypse Inspire Student Designs at Drexel’s Annual Fashion Show

Fashion design students will see their collections hit the runway on June 8

Inspired by a spectrum of influences, ranging from Japanese Kabuki paintings to Frank Gehry architecture to post-apocalyptic high society, collections by 24 graduating student designers will hit the runway at Drexel University’s annual senior fashion show, presented by the Fashion Design and Design & Merchandising programs in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.

The show, which also will feature select designs from the sophomore, junior and graduate fashion design students, will be held Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Urban Outfitters Corporate Headquarters (5000 South Broad St.) at The Navy Yard.

The students’ individual collections will cover apparel categories including eveningwear, men’s and women’s wear, sportswear, swimwear and children’s wear. 

Senior fashion show collection

Unlike other student shows, Drexel’s fashion show is not limited to a single theme. Students are encouraged to develop their collections around their own unique sources of inspiration. 

One student’s collection incorporates the charm of installation artist Bruce Monro’s recent summer exhibition of lights at Longwood Gardens with surface design techniques to create a wedding dress.

Pieces from another student’s sportswear collection are driven by the notion of crossing the line between masculinity and femininity, combining leather with organza to create strong, yet delicate silhouettes. 

Fashion design students begin the research for their collections in the fall and spend the next seven months creating pieces that bring their vision to life. Each student illustrates and creates the patterns and final garments, often using couture techniques.

 “The aim of the show is for fashion seniors to present work that realizes their individual goals as designers,” said professor of fashion design Renee Chase. “Our annual fashion show gives our students a chance to showcase the techniques that they have learned throughout their time at Westphal and to use those techniques to express their own personalities.”

Children's wear collection

As in previous years, the students’ collections will be eligible for a number of awards from notable designers and retailers. Local fashion influencers will also be in attendance to judge the body of work and present the awards.

Tickets will be $50 and include entry to a wine and cheese reception following the production. All tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 and may be purchased at www.drexel.edu/westphal. For more information, call 215-895-2390 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal.

All production aspects are handled by Design & Merchandising students including run of show, model dressing, marketing and public relations, box office administration and front of house operations.

The Design & Merchandising students also produce a lifestyle and trend publication, d&m magazine, which is distributed to all who attend. Drexel’s Department of Cinema and Television students and faculty will record the fashion show for broadcast at a later date.

About the Fashion Design and Design & Merchandising Programs:
The undergraduate and graduate Fashion Design programs in Drexel’s Westphal College are internationally recognized and were ranked No. 16 among the top 50 fashion schools in the world by Fashionista Magazine. The rigorous curriculum includes a unique six-month co-op experience that complements coursework in conceptual design, presentation skills, CAD and manufacturing procedures. Students conclude their senior year with the presentation of their collections in the Drexel Fashion Show, which is produced by students in the Design & Merchandising program.