The Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters celebrated its 50th anniversary in style Sunday during the FASH Forward design competition of the 2013 Apparel and Textile Design Fashion show.
One model, outfitted in a birthday cake dress designed by Taylor Varner, a student director of the show, screamed “Happy 50th Birthday College of Arts and Letters” while posing at the end of the runway. Others walked with confidence and poise while showing off student-designed outfits.
After about a year of preparation, 90 student-designs walked the runway in hopes of impressing the judges and the sold-out show.
“After spending several months to get the show ready, filling every seat in the house is the thing we wanted most,” said Martin Flores, student director of the show. “We want everyone to view our art, our fashion and understand what we do here.”
After the show, multiple designs were recognized for their innovative style and avant-garde appearance.
“I’m so proud of our students,” faculty director Rebecca Schuiling said. “They did a wonderful job. It’s very satisfying because we have students of all ages competing in the program and winning awards.”
Apparel and Textile Design is a major offered within the Department of Art, Art History and Design at MSU. The show stems from a class offered in the major and the planning starts in September.