Contact: Erin Flynn
January 28, 2022
Samantha Morehead won first place in the New York Fashion Week Western competition.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—samantha morehead You’ve always had a passion for fashion, and now you’ll have the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best designers in the industry. As the winner of Western Michigan University’s inaugural New York Fashion Week competition, she will be attending one of the biggest events in the world of fashion.
“If you had told me my freshman year that I was going to New York my senior year to attend New York Fashion Week, I would have laughed at you,” says Morehead, who will graduate in April with a bachelor’s degree in management. of Companies focused on marketing.
The ability to match her resume with a minor in fashion merchandising is what brought her to Western in the first place. It’s a decision that she is now paying dividends towards her dream.
“You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of colleges and universities throughout the state of Michigan that offer a program and opportunity like this,” he says. alix holcombthe University’s trademark and licensing consultant.
Morehead shows off his winning designs from the competition.
“I’m a first-generation college student. My family is thrilled,” adds Morehead, who grew up in Clarkston, Michigan. “My dad was excited and in disbelief. Getting this opportunity on behalf of the University is amazing; I’m still in shock. I may not get over it until I’m on the plane to New York. I can’t thank Western enough.”
The experience is a collaboration between Western; Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), the University’s trademark and licensing agency; and the world leader in events, fashion and sports IMG. Morehead will join a select group of some 20 college students from across the country on a special behind-the-scenes tour of New York Fashion Week, taking place February 11 to 16. The group will take a behind-the-scenes look at some of fashion’s biggest events, from runway shows and panel discussions to interactive design opportunities.
“An opportunity like this exposes students to the exciting, multi-billion dollar global garment industry,” he says. Kelly Times, a professor specializing in fashion design and merchandising, as well as an advisor to the Merchandising Design and Opportunity Association (MODA). “New York is the fashion capital of the world, and the experiential learning they will receive on this trip will open their eyes to so many possibilities. I think it will change their lives.”
THE COMPETITION
The Western competition in November 2021 was open to all members of the MODA registered student organization. Participants had to provide transcripts and a letter of recommendation, as well as write an essay on why they would represent Western well at New York Fashion Week.
A group of finalists were chosen to compete for the grand prize: design three to five looks for college wear, conveying what it means to them to be a Bronco.
“I started researching what people are already wearing and what was coming into fashion,” says the finalist. Grace Stibich, product design and innovation student from Troy, Michigan. She took the opportunity to put into practice what she had learned in her business classes and business electives. “I wanted to create clothes with the western logo on it but not on your face, so you could wear it elsewhere.”
Morehead also got to work, employing his consumer research skills.
“I looked at what students were posting on Instagram and what they were actually wearing at the back doors,” she says. She also sent out a survey to the female students to find out what they wore to the pre-game festivities and what they wanted from their clothes.
A panel of judges comprised of fashion design and merchandising professors, staff from the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications, and students evaluated each student’s collection. They saw a wide range of styles, from retro patchwork overalls and corduroy jackets to vintage jumpers and vests.
“The student designs amazed me with the levels of creativity they came up with. It exceeded my expectations,” he says. Dr. Maria Simpson, assistant professor of merchandising and fashion design. “That speaks to the strength of both the academic program and each student’s commitment to her personal success.”
Grace Stibich works on a garment.
Morehead’s western-inspired collection, which included a patchwork crop top, pleated tennis skirt and casual tops, won praise from the judges. But they also had an unexpected twist for the finalists: Morehead wasn’t the only big winner. Runner-up Stibich also earned a trip to the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week’s fall race. September 2022.
“At first, when I found out I wasn’t going in the spring, I was really bummed. But then I was so excited to keep reading the letter and find out I was going in the fall!” Stibich says. “I love the west and I can’t wait to defend it at New York Fashion Week.”
while finalist julia lekander didn’t get one of the big tickets, at least not this year, she’s buoyed by the experience and sings the praises of the Western show, where she’s accumulating the skills she needs to succeed in the industry.
“Don’t underestimate Western style,” says Lekander, from suburban Chicago, who transferred to WMU for the fashion design and merchandising program. “It’s a tight-knit community where you get personalized attention. We get amazing lessons from our instructors. Even my small community college couldn’t offer this intensive, personalized attention. Western is a game changer.”
For more news, arts and events from WMUvisit WMU News online.
Source: wmich.edu