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KENT, Ohio \u2014 Senior fashion students at Kent State University are proving that fashion isn\u2019t frivolous \u2014 it\u2019s essential. It\u2019s a reflection of the times, and a form of expression that can speak louder than words.
This week, students at Kent State\u2019s School of Fashion are showcasing their work during the 2025 Annual Fashion Show \u2014 the centerpiece of a week-long celebration of student talent.
The show, running April 24\u201326 at Crawford Hall, features 161 looks from 41 student designers, selected by a panel of industry professionals.
The garments span categories from evening wear to universal design and sustainable fashion. But beneath the fabric, students say, is a deeper message.
\u201cFashion is such a big indicator of where we are in the world\u2026 in the economy,\u201d said Brye Wheeler, a senior designer whose collection is inspired by Black hair.
Her pieces, rich in texture and shape and reflect cultural identity.
\u201cIt\u2019s just a true indicator of where we are as a society \u2014 what we like to do, what we like to wear, where we\u2019re going in the future.\u201d
Senior designer Rachel Stauffer used her research into clothing waste and landfills as the foundation for her biodegradable collection, titled \u201cBury Me.\u201d<\/i>
\u201cI wanted to find a way to combat this and find a solution to it,\u201d she said. \u201cEverything\u2019s naturally dyed and 3D block printed by hand.\u201d
Others, like Kaitlyn Graham, focused on craftsmanship and longevity in their collections.
\u201cI\u2019m creating looks that are timeless and will last long,\u201d Graham said.
Graham’s collection was inspired by women feeling valued and worth. Details are a reflection of her faith.
\u201cThe flames on the sleeves are showing my belief in how God can transform and purify our hearts,\u201d she said.
Many students are using the runway to highlight stories of resilience, identity, and change.
\u201cThere\u2019s just some really beautiful collections we have that tell some amazing stories of endurance and self-expression,\u201d said co-producer Brett Ashley Richter.
The Annual Fashion Show is the largest event hosted by the School of Fashion each year and involves students across disciplines \u2014 from merchandising and design to PR, modeling, and stage management. The production is led by co-producers Richter and Amelia Gardner with help from faculty directors and designers in residence.
\u201cYou can really see that passion. And especially when things are changing in the world, you see that in their work and it\u2019s really beautiful,\u201d said Gardner.
For students like these seniors, the show is both a launchpad and a reflection of the time they\u2019ve spent developing their voice, in style and in message.
\u201cEverybody wears clothes. Everybody\u2019s first impression is tied to what you\u2019re wearing,\u201d Caroline Hill, a fashion student, said. \u201cSo I think it\u2019s really important in building community.\u201d
Hill will debut her collection, ID Cloaked<\/i>. The clothes are a reflection of exploration and identity.
She says she’s not worried about her future in the world of design and fashion and knows there will always be a place for her.
\u201cFashion is one of the most global and largest industries,\u201d she said.
The Annual Fashion Show also caps off Kent State\u2019s Fashion Week, a packed lineup of events celebrating student creativity and a look at the future of fashion.
Kent State Fashion Week Schedule: April 21\u201326<\/b><\/p>\n
For information on how to get tickets, click HERE<\/a>. <\/p>\n