Ball State fashion students are putting their class knowledge and creativity into producing a fashion show Sunday afternoon titled “Made in the Midwest.” From obtaining sponsors to designing a stage layout, the show is completely student organized.
Alyssa Marcheleta, a senior apparel design major, is a featured designer in the show. As a part of the Fashion Promotions class, she said organizing the show was not an easy project.
“Planning the show definitely had its ups and downs,” Marcheleta said. “There are so many strong personalities in the class, and some of us are more creative minded while others are more business minded. Some days, it’s fun and doesn’t even seem like class, and other times, it’s incredibly taxing, and we leave class running for coffee to calm us down.”
Whittney Sorrell, another featured designer, also is a senior apparel design major in Fashion Promotions. She said planning the show was challenging, but the teamwork among the class helped.
“Since I am a part of the promotions class, I am fully aware of how crazy it’s been organizing the show, but we all have worked together amazingly,” Sorrell said. “Everyone has stayed on top of their tasks which made the process easier.”
The course’s professor, Paula Sampson, said the students decided to contact designers and businesses from all over the state. Four students graduating in December also will have their work featured.
“We thought it would be a good idea to feature designers from the Midwest to show people there are good designs coming from areas other than the two coasts,” Sampson said.
Debra Crockett, a senior fashion merchandising major, said the fashion show will appeal to a younger audience.
“There will be a lot of younger designers and good ideas,” Crockett said. “One of the designers takes old clothes from Goodwill and re-does them to make them more trendy. It’s really for a younger audience, so it’s colorful and fun.”
Crockett will work as a part of the backstage team.
“I’ll be helping to dress models and put them in the right order,” Crockett said. “I’m excited to be a part of behind-the-scenes and make everything perfect for the audience.”
As a student and as a designer, Sorrell said she thinks it could be a good networking opportunity.
“I am hoping to possibly get my name out and make some contacts,” Sorrell said. “More importantly, I want my collection to be received well by my colleagues, professors and family because their approval means the most to me. Hopefully, there will be more fashion shows in my future.”
Marcheleta said she is enthusiastic to show off her designs in this show.
“I’m doing the show because my family and friends have never really seen my work live, and a video of my work on a runway will look really cool on my digital portfolio,” Marcheleta said.
Although the show is primarily a class project, it also utilizes an opportunity to help the community. All of the proceeds from the show will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Sampson said the charity element of the show was very important, especially locally.
“I encourage the students to stay within the community, because there is enough need here,” Sampson said. “It is important to be a good community partner.”
