Fashion through the elements

Each spring, the Threads Fashion Show gives Central Michigan University students a platform to create, display and celebrate their work with the community. The show is not only an opportunity for Fashion Merchandising and Design students, it also is a hands-on experience for multiple university programs.

Nearly 200 students are involved in organizing and running the show, including those enrolled in CMU’s Fashion Show Production and Promotion course. Since 2016, the show has also included dietetics and event management students taking the Catering for the Foodservice Events class, which leads the execution of the event’s VIP reception.

Jeffrey Fisher, a faculty member in nutrition and dietetics who leads the catering class, said the event is unique because it gives students a chance to apply what they are learning in the classroom to a real-life experience while also giving back to the community.

“It is an interdisciplinary event,” Fisher said. “We have students from across the university in fashion merchandising, interior design, nutrition and dietetics, event management, broadcasting and cinematic arts. They all get to work together to make this event a reality.”

Kate Castillenti, a student producer of Threads Fashion Show, said students from all areas can play a role in the event’s production — and gain the satisfaction of creating something unique.

“Whether it is journalism, photography, model management, finance management, or even looking through garments, there's a place for everybody,” she said. “I'm excited to put on something that I know the designers and models will never forget. Knowing that you're creating something that's going to be a memory for everybody is a super cool feeling.”

The Threads Fashion Show opens at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2 in the Education and Human Services building. Tickets are available online for general admission, with special pricing for students and virtual attendees.

View a photo gallery from the 2022 Threads Fashion Show on Facebook or Instagram.