Inside Iowa State

April 17, 2009

Local Marc Jacobs designer featured in fashion show

by Mike Ferlazzo, News Service

This spring's freshest fashion looks will be showcased in the student-produced textiles and clothing fashion show Saturday, April 25, in Stephens Auditorium.

It will open with an exhibit of student portfolios and mounted pieces at 6 p.m., with the runway show scheduled for 7 p.m.

In addition to more than 100 garments created by ISU students, the 27th annual show will feature work by Des Moines native Mansoor Amjed, a West Des Moines Valley High School graduate who designs for women's wovens at Marc by Marc Jacobs.

A 2002 fashion design graduate from The Art Institute of Chicago, Mansoor will showcase a mix of Marc by Marc Jacobs' Spring and Fall 2009 collection (men and women), which was featured at New York Fashion Week.

Since 1982, Iowa State students have been displaying their design, sewing and creative skills through the annual fashion show. This year's show will feature both men's and women's designs in casual wear, formal attire, experimental design and two-dimensional merchandising products.

Student-driven

From the sound and lighting to the models on the catwalk, the show is entirely student-produced. It's now the largest show in Iowa and one of the largest student-run fashion shows in the country. A sellout crowd of 2,500 watched last year's show.

Any ISU student, regardless of major, can participate in the fashion show. Directors and committee members are chosen from more than 100 applicants. Iowa State students also audition to be models.

Student designers were judged April 4 by a panel of accredited industry professionals: Brenda Mikel, Atelier director for Narciso Rodriguez; Kathy Fell, director of product development for Burlen Corp.; Ann Ramsey, educator at University of North Carolina, Greensboro; and Paula Correri, editor at The Tobe Report.

Senior Aerielle Smith, fashion show co-producer, said the show is a chance for Iowans to experience industry-level fashion. "Not only is it going to be a runway show, but a unique and amazing experience," she said.

Tickets are $20 for adults ($15 for students) with a 10 percent discount for groups of six or more. They're available online through Ticketmaster or in person at the Stephens ticket office (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday).

Additional information on the fashion show is available online.

2009 Fashion Show

April 25, Stephens
6 p.m. Exhibits
7 p.m. Runway show
Tickets: $20