UIW to Host Annual Red Dress Fashion Show
On Saturday, Feb. 15, UIW will host its annual Red Dress Fashion Show at 11 a.m. in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom. This time-honored tradition has been a staple event of the University’s Fashion program since 2006 with the goal of raising awareness about women’s heart health, as the signs of health attacks in women are notably different from signs exhibited by men.
The event will showcase unique and original fashion designs created by UIW and local high school students. In addition to watching their designs be modeled on the runway, participating students will be competing for scholarship money to continue their education in fashion. UIW students are eligible to earn $6,000, while high school students can earn $3,000.
Dr. Melinda Adams, professor and program director for the UIW Fashion Management Department, has been involved in the Red Dress Fashion Show since its first occurrence and is looking forward to seeing what participating students have in store for this year’s event.
“UIW students ranging from freshman to seniors participate in the Red Dress event,” said Dr. Adams. “It is great to see how their creativity grows throughout their four years.”
Kara Deleon, senior Fashion Management student studying Apparel Product Design, is just one of the 10 remarkable UIW student designers whose works will be featured this year. Deleon has been participating in the Red Dress Fashion Show since she was a freshman. Despite being a full-time student and a working employee, Deleon couldn’t imagine not participating during her last year at the University.
“Looking back at my first Red Dress event I can see how much I have grown as a designer and a seamstress,” shared Deleon. “Coming into the program knowing nothing about sewing, but having a passion for creativity and design, made me the designer I am today. Being that this is my last semester, I am looking forward to creating memories with my friends before we all part ways for our future, showing this year’s beautiful designs and experiencing the wonderful feeling of community.”
This also marks the second year that Red Dress is partnering with Daisy Cares, a non-profit organization created to provide pet food and urgent or emergent aid toward veterinary care, as well as reduce animal abuse through animal welfare education and awareness. Red Dress Fashion Show attendees are asked to bring a pet toy and/or treat donation(s) in order to be admitted into the event. A Daisy Cares representative will be in attendance to collect donations and share more information about the organization.
“Treats and toys are the items that Daisy Cares don’t routinely receive, and this event is a way to support their work and provide pets with toys they may not otherwise receive,” shared Adams.
Join UIW for this exciting event to celebrate the creative minds of aspiring fashion designers, learn more about women’s heart health, and provide support for animals in need.