UA Apparel Design Students to Showcase Final Collection

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama apparel design students will have an opportunity to showcase who they are as a designer during the sixth annual Fashion for Life.

Fashion for Life, set for Nov. 16, began as a way for senior apparel design students in the College of Human Environmental Sciences to showcase a final collection.

“Most design schools have a senior runway show as an opportunity for students to go through a collection process and runway event,” said show coordinator Brian Taylor, an instructor in the College of Human Environmental Sciences’ department of clothing, textiles, and interior design. “This is the culmination of their design studies here at UA. It represents who they are as a designer, their target market and what area of the industry they hope to enter.”

Work on the collections begins months before the class starts. Students start researching inspiration and trends, sketching and buying fabrics and trims over the summer. They then begin working on their different looks, creating a garment every couple of weeks. The students are required to complete five garments for the class, but they can have up to eight looks (or models) for the runway.

Event attendees will not only enjoy a night of talent and fashion, but they will also help a much-deserved organization.

“When Fashion for Life first began, the students wanted to make it more than just a runway show,” Taylor said. “They wanted to make it an event that gives back to the community.”

Each year, a different charity receives the proceeds from the show. The students chose Arts n’ Autism this year.

The design showcase will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Ferguson Center ballroom. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and tickets will be available at the door for $5. All proceeds will benefit Arts n’ Autism.