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A student walks the runway during Spring Splash |
URI makes fundraising fashionable with Spring Splash
The Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design department and its Textile Advisory Board welcomed more than 130 guests to its second annual Spring Splash student fashion show and awards ceremony in April.
The formal event and show, “Fantasize, Materialize, Realize,” recognized the accomplishments of many of the program’s alumni and industry partners and showcased select fashions created by URI students.
Chaired by alumnus Glenn Palmer and sponsored by Aeropostale Inc., the event raised about $40,000 with proceeds to be used to support and improve student education, and for such things as guest speakers, teaching equipment, and scholarship support. Aeropostale was the single-largest donor, contributing $20,000 to the department’s programs.
The department also inducted three new members to its Alumni Wall of Fame: Cynthia Cooper of the McCord Museum in Montreal, Nancy Olson of Kenyon Consumer Products, and Shelley Brehm Wollseiffen of the Cranston Print Works.
Featuring the works of 22 students, the runway show had a strong focus on femininity and formal evening wear, especially as represented by many Audrey Hepburn-esque ensembles, and strapless evening gowns in satin fabrics garnished with feathers and silk flowers. Materials used for the original designs ranged from satins and silks to leather and high-tech textiles.
Design awards were presented to: Annick Gouin, a junior from Charlestown (first place), Jacqueline Galto from Franklin Lakes, N.J. (second), and Kirsten Obermiller of Manchester, N.H. (third). Students Allison Mallardi of Jupiter, Fla. and Katharine Seavey of Rochester, N.H. received honorable mention.
In addition to the design awards, the Textile Advisory Board designated a portion of last year’s Spring Splash monies raised for four $500 scholarships to be presented at this year’s event. Scholarships were presented to Jenny Doucette, a junior from Candia, N.H.; Monica Flynn, a junior from Charlestown, R.I.; Loida Lebron, a sophomore from Woonsocket; and Deryn Sumner, a sophomore from Abington, Mass.
By Jhodi Redlich
