Showing Off: How Fashion School Students Get Experience

Fashion design schools in Chicago are famous for producing student-run shows, and in some cases, finding notable sponsors. At most shows, students manage every aspect of design and production, giving them valuable industry experience before they enter the work world.

From Cars to Clothing

General Motors is continuing its 5-year trend of support for the "Imagine 2007" student fashion show, an annual production of one of Chicago's top fashion schools. The entire show is run and produced by students, and all fashions are student-designed. Students will base their designs on some of GM's most famous cars, like the Chevy Camaro and the Cadillac CTS.

Diversity in Fashion

Another top fashion design school recently hosted a student show on-campus, open to the public. Students used everything from pop culture to ancient societies for inspiration. Diversity was a major theme.

"Modern" Fashion at Student Show

For yet another student fashion show in Chicago, students spend nearly the entire academic year in preparation. Unlike other student productions, these use professional models to showcase students' original designs. Most shows entail some sort of theme or challenge. Last year's requirement was to include the color "acid green" in all designs. The theme this year was "Making Modern Energy."
At many student-run shows, local fashion designers and merchandisers may attend to show their support for young designers. Other shows serve as final grades or portfolio projects for seniors. Student fashion shows serve a variety of purposes, but the biggest one is to provide students with real industry skills.
Sources
eMediaWire, "General Motors to Sponsor 28th Annual Chicago Student Fashion Show"
Chicago Maroon, "FOTA launch party focuses on fashion"

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.