Students set trends on runway for DAAPworks Fashion Show

Upon entering the 63rd Annual DAAPworks Fashion Show, held in the Campus Recreation Center, it’s easy to forget that everything is student-made.

From the fashion collections that took countless hours to make, to the 88-foot runway—the largest in the region—this is a uniquely University of Cincinnati event.

An enthusiastic 1,500 people filled the REC center on Friday, April 26. The audience ranged from elegant fashionistas and fashion industry leaders to students wanting to be blown away by cutting edge style.

The event, which showcased senior students in fashion design and fashion product development, is the culmination of years of intensive co-op, research, and sewing.

“This is their opportunity to show the result of five years of work toward their degree and present completely original and creative art in the process,” said Laurie Wilson, associate director of non-academic programming and adjunct instructor. Wilson has been serving as the show’s director and producer for 16 years.

Needless to say, the show that sells out every year delivered. For one night, the Rec Center’s lower stage transformed into a place where masterful aesthetic and careful attention to detail and beauty were exhibited to endless applause.

The show was full of highlights; every student’s collection turned the catwalk into an arena of raw expression and talent.

(Image: black formal dresses)

The “Carnivara” collection by fashion design student Molly Wimmel consisted of a visceral femme-fatale look. The women models on the catwalk were clad in blood-red designs and monstrous masks.

Emily Oliver’s collection “Manifesto” was a reimagining of the futurism of the early 20th century that fused vintage with contemporary seamlessly.

Over 100 models displayed the creations of over 60 students as they witnessed their academic career turn professional.

Many important people come from all over the world to recruit designers and stay updated on contemporary trends.

“There are many industry professionals who attend the event just to keep abreast of who’s new,” Wilson said.

The work by students is art to wear, or Art wear, which is handmade clothing that is actually meant to be worn as opposed to the often outlandish fashion statements seen on runways.

For the first time in the show’s history, students in the College Conservatory of Music built the fashion show’s set, which was definitely a benefit.

The atmosphere was edgy and explosive as strobe lights animated the room and a light touch from the fog machine added a surreal effect as attendees found their seats. The set was minimalistic but bold, a perfect contrast to the fantastical element of the pieces.

Another first for the show was the addition of the fashion product development program’s pariticipation. Students who merged style with practicality showed off their inventions on the endless runway.

Highlights included Jennifer Wilke’s “Bulletproof Kid,” which aims to “protect kids not only emotionally but physically.”

Other standouts include Gretchen Wertz’s “FIDO + FITZ,” a line of dog products designed to protect canines (yes, there were dogs on the runway) and Melea Green’s “Unbroken” – a collection of customized prosthetic leg covers for amputees. Green’s collection received the most applause of any artist in the show.

The show also included a poignant salute to Phyllis Borcherding, the founder of the fashion product development program, who is retiring this year.

DAAP’s fashion show truly captured the imagination and hard work of the graduating students, who will most likely pursue careers in design and fashion.

“This is where the doors open wide for them,” Wilson said.