UA Students Show Creative Style in T-Time Fashion Show

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama apparel and design students will show off their creativity during the annual T-Time Fashion Show Tuesday, April 16.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of Doster Hall, a combination of sophomores, juniors and seniors in the College of Human Environmental Sciences Apparel and Design program will show designs that range from deconstructed T-shirts to garments made from recycled and nontraditional materials.

“Last year, we even had a student that made pants out of newspaper, and they were really cute,” said Paula Robinson, instructor in apparel and design, faculty adviser for Fashion Inc. and T-Time Fashion Show coordinator. “This show gives the students a platform to just be creative and have fun, as well as an opportunity to showcase their work. I love seeing what they come up with.”

The only requirements are that the garment be wearable and it cover the body. Some of the students will stick with the show’s original concept — designing a garment from a deconstructed T-shirt — while others will use different types of fabrics or add paint, beading or other embellishments.

“We typically don’t let them get a paintbrush and start painting on their garment in class, so this lets them step outside of the box a little,” Robinson said. “In class, they are learning certain technical and design concepts, and their class projects follow those concepts. Every garment they make is a growth process, but this show also allows for creative freedom, and it gets them thinking about sustainability and using materials they may not have thought about using before.”

There will be a $5 entry fee. Money raised will go to Fashion Inc., a student professional organization that promotes an in-depth understanding of corporations and career opportunities in the textile and apparel industry, and a charity of the students’ choice.