The Salt Lake Community College Fashion Institute would size up the competition, if there were any.
As the only college in the state with a fashion program, SLCC encourages current and future students to express themselves and allow their imaginations to unfold. Every year, the SLCC Fashion Institute puts on multiple fashion events to showcase the work of the students, the latest being Project Catwalk on Friday, April 13.
This particular show is unique because it’s an outreach program that features local high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry. Project Catwalk is more than just a fashion show: it’s SLCC’s way of reaching out to prospective students and introducing them to the program before they even graduate high school.
High school students first submit an intent to participate in January, and receive a couple of months to create a garment for the show. Each year, the show features a new theme for the students to work with. This year’s theme was “Fashion Upcycle-Drab to Fab.” Students were tasked with creating a dress and incorporating at least one used men’s tee shirt, and all of the materials had to be recyclable.
SLCC Fashion Club advisor Maria Skelton complimented the students who come up with the theme for the show and the workshops.
“I’m always amazed at the generosity of time and they’re just a real joy to work with,” Skelton says. “Every year, I’m flabbergasted in the best way. I’m always just truly amazed at the incredible work they do.”
Project Catwalk lasted all day and included campus tours, a workshop with SLCC faculty and students, guest speakers, and a reception before the actual runway show takes place. This year’s guest speakers were stylist and owner of Salty Creative Studio Theresa Evans, Fellow Shop owner Hannah Montgomery, Tissu Fine Fabrics owner Teresa Spas, upcycled clothing designer Ashley Barton, and Bloxr Production Manager Jordan Halverson.
The winner of the this year’s design contest was Kasytie Neal from Payson High School. Neal crafted a dress that featured bottle caps along the waist, which won out of a pool of seven other finalists.
Follow the SLCC Fashion Institute for more information about the program and their upcoming events.
