For the first time in the history of the program, the Fashion majors at Buffalo State College will be staging their own fashion show as well as strutting their stuff with a red carpet extravaganza during Friday’s Gusto at the Gallery at the Albright-Knox. The students will be showcasing their own designs, and, in the spirit of the popular television program Project Runway, the students will present their collections to a panel of judges who will then select six winners. This is a monumental event for the students and staff of the Fashion Department at Buffalo State College.

The event, aptly named “The Runway,” is open to the public and will feature spring and fall fashion collections from not only the students but from local men’s and women’s boutiques such as Sunday, Anna Grace, Krudmart and Lu Modern Classics, just to name a few. All the fabulousness of New York City’s Fashion Week will come into play, including a red carpet with paparazzi, music, lighting and a Joan Rivers type character who will be giving the infamous “and who are you wearing?” report.

“Save the date because this is the place to be on Friday, April 11,” says Erin Habes, who teaches Fashion Show Production at Buffalo State College. Habes, along with David Brinson, a Fashion Technology professor at Buffalo State, have collaborated on this event to demonstrate to their students the importance of educating Western New York on the retail offerings in this area as well as the local talent. This event will help the students involved get the career preparation they need in order to succeed in the multi-faceted global fashion industry.

“The focus is on the Fashion Show but we also want to show the community there is a Fashion program here” says Habes. “The key was to take this on-campus idea off campus and to locate it at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, one of the most amazing museums in Buffalo. That’ll get people’s attention, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Kaleigh Foley, a fashion student at Buffalo State also adds, “When you put it in perspective, design majors have never gotten an opportunity like this before. Imagine the exposure and the positive feedback from the public. ‘The Runway’ will hopefully be an annual event thanks to Professor Habes and Professor Brinson.”

So do save the date, it’s going to be a night to remember. Doors open at 7pm, show at 8pm. An after party at Soundlab starts at 10pm, hosted by Shock and Awe

—agathi georgiou.

Where:
Gusto at the Gallery at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
1285 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222

It is free admission, but seating is limited, so get there early, and remember to dress to impress!