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Every spring, the Stevenson University Fashion Design Department takes center stage with their highly anticipated Annual Fashion Show. This event is a celebration of creativity, showcasing the remarkable journey of students through their four years in the Fashion Design Program. From the start of their education to their senior year, each scene tells a unique story of innovation and artistry. The highlight of the show is when the senior class presents their meticulously crafted collections, each comprised of seven original looks. This marks a significant milestone in their growing careers, symbolizing their journey from students to aspiring fashion professionals.

About

Stevenson's Fashion Design program develops the individual aesthetic of the designer through art and fashion design courses incorporating theory, technology, and professional practice. Students gain an understanding of the fashion industry through history, consumer psychology, material, and techniques of apparel construction. The coursework framework focuses primarily on studio work and other discipline-specific classes central to developing a design voice and vision as a fashion design professional.

In the fall, senior fashion design and merchandising major, Olivia Blaner, exhibited her tailored jacket at the International Textiles and Apparel Association's design exhibit in St. Louis. She won a place in the undergraduate design competition with her look entitled, The Softest Parts of You. This is highly competitive with a 30% acceptance rate.

It was recently featured at the Dean's showcase on campus at the Paul D. Lack Scholar's Showcase

A special event in the department was a book talk with author, Elizabeth Dickinson. She presented her book, Claire McCardell: the Designer Who Set Women Free. McCardell was an American designer in the 1940s-1960s who is credited with creating women's sportwear. The book has been named a New York Times Notable Book of 2025 and was on the cover to the book review.

Students in the 4th year product development course went to Under Armour's research and development lab and participated in an advanced technical stitching workshop. They worked on advanced sewing equipment to garner more technical skills.

Professors Cheung and Aronhime earned Stevenson's AI Fellowship Grant for summer 2026. They will do research on AI in fashion design focusing on technology, new skills, and design thinking in the classroom.