2025DMFashionShowProgramUPDATED (1) by CSUDesignandMerchandising

DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING FASHION SHOW

ASTRAL THREADS

About the Design and Merchandising Department

DM offers B.S. degrees in Apparel and Merchandising (AM) and in Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) as well as an M.S. in Design and Merchandising. Both undergraduate programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The AM program became the ‘first-in-thenation’ program accredited by the Textile and Apparel Program Accreditation Commission in 2019 and the IAD program has been accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation since 1990. The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising earned accredited from the American Alliance of Museums in 2024. Located in the University Center for the Arts, it is a repository for 25,000 historically and culturally significant items of dress, textiles, and interior artifacts representing regional, national, and international cultures.

DM’s mission is to achieve excellence in education and scholarship through community engagement, industry collaboration, creative exploration, and scientific inquiry. We are committed to advancing and fostering understanding of socially responsible conceptualization, design, adoption, and evaluation of processes, products, and environments that responsively enhance the human experience. As a research-one (R1), public land-grant university, Colorado State University holds an expectation of scholarship in creative, engaged, scientific work.

On behalf of the Department of Design and Merchandising, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our 2025 fashion show, Astral Threads. The cosmic-themed event offers an immersive evening into an otherworldly journey where fashion reaches new dimensions of color, texture, culture, and innovation.

We are excited to have so many of our alumni, donors, colleagues, families, friends, and members of our advisory council join us for this year’s event. This year’s show features apparel design collections from 23 students in the Apparel Design and Production (ADP) concentration. Students in the ADP concentration are formally admitted to the program through a portfolio review process, and the collections presented tonight were completed in the ADP senior capstone course in fall 2024 under the guidance of Assistant Professor Kayna Hobbs-Murphy. These design collections represent four years of comprehensive study emphasizing creativity, advanced design and construction techniques, and technology skills. Tonight’s show was produced and promoted by students enrolled in DM 474, Fashion Show Production and Event Planning.

Thank you for joining us tonight to support our students’

Karen Hyllegard Professor and Department Head

Capstone Advisor

As an Assistant Professor in Apparel Design and Production, I have the distinct privilege of guiding students through the technical realization of their creative visions. With a Ph.D. in Occupational Ergonomics and Safety and industry experience as an Associate Runway Ready-to-Wear Patternmaker at J. Mendel, I merge research, craftsmanship, and innovation in my teaching. My work emphasizes the precision of patternmaking, the nuances of fit, and the intricacies of construction—key elements in refining students’ designs from initial sketch to final stitch. As we present these collections today, I am proud to witness the convergence of artistic expression and technical excellence that defines the next generation of fashion designers.

Kayna Hobbs-Murphy, Ph.D. Assistant Professor

Department of Design and Merchandising

Cassandra Adams, M.S., Academic Advisor

Ryadi Adityavarman, MSArch., Associate Professor

Lida Aflatoony, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Paula Alaszkiewicz, Ph.D., Curator and Assistant Professor

Kendra Allen, M.Ed., Director of Academic and Administrative Operations

Joan Anderson, Ph.D., AM Internship Coordinator and Instructor

Marcus Appleby, M.IAPD, Industry Liaison and Instructor

Kate Bedford, B.E.D., Instructor

Sandra Chisholm, Ph.D., Instructor

Laura Cole, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator

Sonali Diddi, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Sara Dudek, M.S., Communications & Events Coordinator

Brittany Engert, M.A., Academic Advisor

Gabrielle Friesen, M.A., Avenir Collections Database Coordinator

Carla Galvanoni, Instructor

Crystal Hart, Administrative Assistant II and Graduate Program Assistant

Kayna Hobbs-Murphy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Karen Hyllegard, Ph.D., Professor & Department Head

Kevin Kissell, M.F.A., Assistant Professor

Jain Kwon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Emily Leck, M.S., IAD Internship Coordinator

Yan Vivian Li, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Sarah Lillis, M.A., Education Programs Coordinator, Avenir Museum

Heejin An Li, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Laura Malinin, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the RDC

Kristen Morris, Ph.D., Associate Professor and AM Program Coordinator

Junyoung Myung, Ph.D., Instructor

Megan Osborne, M.A., Interim Director, Avenir Museum

Jennifer Paff, Ph.D., Professor

David Russon, M.S., Instructor

Leah Scolere, Ph.D., Associate Professor and IAD Program Coordinator

Kami Stutzman, Instructor

Lisa Switzer, M.S., Instructor

Anthony Vecchiarelli, B.A., Business Officer

Brooklyn Wenzel, M.S., Visitor Engagement Coordinator, Avenir Museum

Ruoh-Nan (Terry) Yan, Ph.D., Professor

Designers

In Order of

Appearance...

Megan Greenly

Quiet Intracacies is the embodiment of personal expression through design. Ideation took place during a time when Megan had a lot on her mind and when she was going through many different emotions, all hidden within herself. Quiet Intracacies reflects the wide variety of Megan’s internalized thoughts, embraces her darkest emotions, and honors the people who make her feel worthy and alive.

Abby Babb

Absurdism is a philosophy that states the world is without meaning, but it differs from nihilism in that rather than being scared of meaninglessness, one should embrace it. Babb’s collection is vacation wear with something slightly off about each look.

Sophie Scott

Sun Dog is a sustainability-focused outdoor lifestyle brand inspired by Sophie’s adventurous father, Larry Scott. In the summers of 1986–87, he sailed from Paris to Svalbard and Nova Scotia, capturing the journey on film. His fearless spirit and photography fuel Sun Dog’s aesthetic and storytelling. The collection embraces unique patterning and sustainable practices—using secondhand deadstock and recycled materials to blend heritage, function, and eco-consciousness.

Designers

In Order of Appearance...

Kennedy Magalhaes

San Fran Disco is inspired by the wonderful city of San Francisco, family and friends, as well as the Art Brut movement of the 1970’s. Through Kennedy’s time in the electronic dance community, she has reached for a multifuncitonal line of clothing that could be mixed and matched to achieve a different look every time. All of the prints in this line were made by her over the course of the last year and were a major focus in the line. PURR and I’m proud to be a CSU Ram!

Bridget Brown

Vivid Bloom is rooted in, and inspired by, sustainable practices with an emphasis on the exploration of color and shape. Utilizing four natural pigments and two kinds of fabric, this collection displays how different dye techniques and mordants can create an array of colors and patterns. Vivid Bloom aims to highlight the importance and craft behind environmentally conscious design. Bridget hopes to continue pursuing textile design and sustainable research.

Ella McBride

The Little House collection is a joyful homage to stories that shaped our childhoods—classics like Winnie the Pooh, Where the Wild Things Are, Babar, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Peter Rabbit. Designed for the modern-day Ms. Frizzles of the world, each look is inspired by a beloved children’s story book. Whimsical yet wearable, these pieces are designed to capture the magic of storytelling—wearable wonder for those who believe in the importance of a good book and a great outfit to go with it.

Designers

In Order of Appearance...

Dylan Barber

Bleached Crown represents liberating oneself from the confines of societal pressures by seizing our natural royalty and expressing it freely. Its genre is “Refined Dreamwear” what happens when you refine your dreams into realities and wear them intently. They want to keep the physical crown from us, but we all have crowns inherently. Light and life is luxurious in and of itself. Shine it bright. Shine it free.

Nathalia Olvera-Bajaras

Apoptosis is inspired by the idea that we must let parts of us die to let new parts grow, such as habits or personality traits. Apoptosis is a cell process in which defective cells commit suicide to make room for new ones to grow. Nathalia looked at microscopic images of this cell process in action to inspire the shapes of the collection.

Carly Copeland

HOMAGE is a men’s quiet luxury collection honoring Carly’s great-great-grandfather, Max Factor, and his pioneering legacy in the beauty industry. Each look is inspired by one of his vintage makeup products, interpreted through boxy, unstructured silhouettes crafted in traditionally feminine fabrics like satin, lace, and silk. The designs feature hand-embroidered makeup motifs and draw influence from the artisanal style of Bode, blending softness, strength, and heritage in a modern context.

Designers

In Order of

Appearance...

Angelina Montoya

Lovely Flaws is a collection for anyone who has ever loved, lost, grieved, felt like they weren’t enough, or their life wasn’t worth living. It draws from the philosophy of wabisabi and the art of repair, kintsugi, and is steeped in symbolism. This collection is about brokeneness, trauma, grief, healing, and acceptance.

Hannah Malers

Before the Mirror reflects the progression from interest in historical dress into a future in apparel design. It demonstrates what Hannah has learned from professors, augmented by an independent study of historic garments and sewing manuals. It is an experiment and a compromise by blending historic and modern construction methods, materials, and expectations. This line is her last step at CSU, but a foundational step towards the skills and knowledge she hopes to cultivate throughout her career.

Alexandra Evans

ALEgance is a celebration of timeless elegance with a deeply personal twist. Inspired by her initials and lifelong love for fashion, Alexandra’s debut collection fuses bold color, sculptural silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics to honor femininity, confidence, and self-expression. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to flatter diverse body shapes, empowering women to feel radiant and strong. From playful textures to refined details, ALEgance evokes modern sophistication while honoring a sense of individuality.

Designers

In Order of Appearance...

Katie Gordon

Bella Donna emphasizes the art of tailoring and the perfect fit, ensuring each piece is not only visually striking but complements the subject’s figure. It is a fusion of feminine silhouettes with rugged, durable materials. Katie aimed to showcase her sewing and pattern making skills by designing a series of garments that highlighted precision and attention to detail. This project allowed her to push the boundaries of her technical abilities while also deepening her understanding of garment construction.

Kellie Price

Link Zero draws off of the beauty in industrial infrastructure and art. It is inspired by graffiti because of its transient nature, like many things in life, it doesn’t last forever. Infrastructure has very geometric and organized shapes, whereas graffiti is very organic and free-flowing, creating a beautifully dynamic opposition to one another. Kellie’s designs reflect this sense of organization, but also chaos; a reflection of her journey in self discovery.

Latifah Hirchi-Vogl

Chrysalis explores transformation, identity, and the layers we choose to reveal or protect. Inspired by nature, classical and contemporary art, and representations of gender, the collection contrasts rigid, structured exteriors with soft, organic interiors. Silhouettes sculpt the body with texture, pleating, and beading, reflecting the duality of public and private selves. Each piece invites reflection on belonging, growth, and the fluidity of self-expression. Chrysalis challenges conventions and honors the quiet beauty of becoming.

Designers

In Order of

Appearance...

Karina Usuda

CHI-Q was inspired by the elements and how humans affect them and the Earth. Each ensemble is meant to showcase the destruction we impose on different aspects of the Earth. Fire represents the fiery destruction we create on each other through war and guns. Water represents ocean pollution and dumping. Nature shows the deforestation and burning on forests. Air represents air pollution and the uncleanliness of it. The last is the planet Earth and she is dying.

Spencer Gordon

Rose Tint is inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show and how intoxicating of a feeling it is to “let go” and be in touch with the truest parts of yourself. The collection uses a combination of sheer and more durable fabrics. It is a modular collection with endless layering possibilities, as we are forever evolving as people. This collection offers a new approach to how clothes can evolve with us.

Johnathan Hong

Chou Hung by Jong is a design collection that explores culture, identity, and self-expression through modern couture. Inspired by Chinese heritage, it uses bold fabric manipulation and significant color symbolism to reimagine tradition while challenging gender and societal norms. The collection merges sculptural form with storytelling, transforming garments into vessels of memory, emotion, and influence. This work honors the people who’ve shaped Johnathan— blending heritage, innovation, and personal reflection into five intentional looks.

Designers

In Order of Appearance...

Holly Kannon

Moonlit Allure is about capturing the mystery and romance happening when the moon is out. The collection’s aim is to bring out the feeling of magic and allure that comes alive in the moonlight. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about helping you connect with the romantic and feminine part of who you are. In a world where gothic formalwear is rare, Moonlit Allure offers a unique realm where beauty and darkness can coexist.

Sheree Larrabee

Douceur Dorée, French for “golden sweetness” embodies class and has love incorporated in every piece. Sheree’s journey began with her grandma, Joann, a woman who embodied “golden sweetness”. Though Joann will not be able to see it, she is the spark that started it all. Her belief in Sheree’s potential lit the fire for fashion design. This is a celebration and a tribute to the person who inspired her to dream big and create boldly.

Kylie Stewart

Divine Essence is an activewear line inspired by Kylie’s grandmother, the first female tennis coach at Colorado State University. It blends athleticism with a bold, edgy aesthetic. Designed for versatility, the pieces transition effortlessly from lounging at home to playing tennis to a night out. This collection speaks to resilience, legacy, and self-expression through elevated athleticwear.

Designers

In

Order of Appearance...

Abbie LoNigro

Nocturne uses a blend of Victorian opulence and gothic horror to create a beautifully haunting line of clothing for those who long to embody the timeless, dark elegance of vampires. Inspired by unique fabrications and intricate hand beading, Abbie sought to incorporate lots of details and visual interest in each outfit. Abbie interned at Collina Strada and she hopes to continue pursuing similar creative work in the future.

Jack Mahoney

Xenotype is a blend of Jack’s life and the communities he has been a part of that got him into fashion. It’s a blend of western, skating, snowboarding, and hiking influences. Jack wanted to create fashionable yet functional pieces that he believes are lacking in the outdoor industry. Certain pieces have modular functions turning them into dual purpose garments. He wanted to play with the idea of urban camo and tried to portray that in his prints.

2025 Models

Thank you to all models who participated in the show!

Abby Ala, Gemma Andrew, Taylor Angelo, Arjun Antal, Ryan Baker, Anna Berger, Lauren Bornstein, Ethan Bowman, Roxanne Bristol, Kaitlin Brown, Miles Buchan, Annamarie Burford, Dana Carducci, Vinicio Carranza, Molly Carroll, Kate Cashen, Nyawarga Chak, Corah Clemmer, Nick Crobar, Ryan Crowell, Jane Dangerfield, Emily Davis, Darius Dundas, Sofie Falbo, Lashay St. Fort, Alexis Foster, Grace Fowler, Aaron Fowler, Leah Fowler, Ellen Francis, Delia Freund, Sienna Gallegos, Sherri Garrett, Jasmine Garcia, Patricia Garcia, Lily Gilliland, Harshitha Ginne, Peyton Gonzales, Phalya Gudipudi, Ellie Guthart, Jacob Hall, Hadley Hauptman, McKenzie, Hayne, Ingriss Hernandez, Madison Ingino Lindsey Janssen, Dhyonna January, Sydney Kane, Ellie Keating, Angela Kimball, Jaclyn Kopernick, Saagar Kothari, Sophia Lloyd, Katie LoNigro, Andrew Los, Jessica Lovett, Julia Magalit, Lexi Maginski, Ashton MarchantMansfield, Liv Martin, Ruby Milner, Yasmin Mohamed, Juan Moreno, Thor Mosebar, Maura Mulligan, Abby Munoz, Meredith Paulson, Bella Peche, Nick Polito, Penelope Proffitt, Emily Reddy, Yoseline Rivera, Malia Ryder, Cassidy Roberts, Elle Robinson, PJ Robinson, Sam Rocco, Elsie Saeng, Sage Seeber, Taylor Bass + Sloan, Casey Sullivan, Max von Thaden, Amanda Thomas, Jenna Torres, Taylor Valade, Melena Vanderperren, Ronan Wallis, Taya Weatherford, Jon White, Jeanelle Wilson, Alex Wood, Elisha XiaoKim (Bagley), Griffin, Peyton, Piper, Vincent

Special Thanks

Stage Manager: Alexa Pizzuti

DJ: Jedidiah Murphy

Emcees: Nico Kiperman and Caroline Studdert

Astral Threads Show Theme Artwork: Ruby Capriola & Sawyer Suplizio

Draping Fabric Donations: Spyder and community donations

DM Business Officer: Anthony Vecchiarelli

Box Office Manager: Reagan Boswell

DM Communications/Events: Sara Dudek

CHHS Director of Communications: Tracy Kile Schwartz

CHHS Executive Director of Development: Kim Winger

CHHS Assistant Director of Communications: Avery Martin

CHHS Photography/Videography: Ashur Lockrem, DJ Vicente, Sydney Anderson

CSU Photography: John Eisele

A very special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make today’s show possible!

Meet the Judges

Lida Aflatoony

Assistant Professor, Colorado State University

At the department of Design and Merchandising, Lida teach courses in product development and research in the same area. She has 5 years of industry experience in Italy in childrenswear, menswear, lingerie, and in both ready-to-wear and couture sectors.

Paula Alaszkiewicz

Avenir Museum Curator and Assistant Professor, Colorado State University

A fashion historian responsible for teaching textile and fashion history courses in the Department of Design and Merchandising, Paula is the curator of the Avenir Museum, which houses CSU’s robust collection of dress and textile artefacts. Prior to joining CSU, Paula worked on curatorial projects for museums and fashion houses in London, Paris, and Montreal.

Mari Anderson

Owner, Bee Human Design Group, LLC

With over 25 years of experience in product development spanning apparel, home, and sporting goods, Mari is a passionate advocate for inclusive design. She has dedicated her career to creating thoughtful, user-centered solutions—especially for people with disabilities. In 2025, she founded Bee Human Design Group, LLC, a company focused on custom design services for people of all ages and abilities, and consulting for brands.

Lexie Garrett

CEO &

Founder

of Alexis Drake, LLC.

As the founder of Alexis Drake, Lexie has spent over a decade building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, style, and community. With hands-on experience in U.S.-based manufacturing and a deep understanding of the fashion accessories market, Lexie led the design and production of timeless leather goods that resonate with modern, fashion-forward customers.

Kristen Morris

Associate Professor, Colorado State University

Kristen’s research and teaching focus on enhancing functional garment performance and inclusivity through user-centered design. Before entering academia, she worked for seven years as a product developer for small companies in and around Denver, bringing industry experience into her research and teaching.

Meet the Judges

Anabella Poletti

Creative Director at AP Design House

Anabella is the founder and creative director of AP Design House, a Fort Collins-based atelier specializing in custom veil design, bridal styling, and alterations. Under her leadership, AP Design House has launched three ready-to-wear brands, serves brides locally and internationally, and is dedicated to the mentorship of emerging fashion designers.

Amber Reaves

Owner of The Fuzz Knitting Company and Program Coordinator of ‘We Made This’ at the African Community Center

Amber designed for many apparel companies in NYC for over a decade. Currently, she owns her own small local knitwear business and works full time in a Denver-based sewing and empowerment program for refugee women.

David Russon

Apparel Design and Construction Instructor, Colorado State University

David teaches the entry level sewing classes, fashion illustration and several different pattern making courses. For several years he worked in the industry as a pattern maker and sample maker. David currently still keeps a few random clients on the side.

Tess Ross

Freelance bridal and evening designer, Tess Dress

Tess has worked with both individuals and brands to help design and build formal event attire for over ten years.

AM 340: Pattern Making II - Draping

Ella Alexander, Owen Bakken, Charlie Bancroft-Howard, Alex Baum, Brooke Bowman, Corissa Bryson, Katrina Canfield, Dana Carducci, Betina Clark, Maya Driskell, Eliza Dryden, Cain Ehrhard, Sam Elmore, Sofie Falbo, Evie Hart, Elena Hicks, Lily Hoefer, Isabelle Jezierski, Angela Kimball, Alena Kozul, Iva Kozul, Jordan Leal, Emily Loewe, Grace Look, Jessica Lovett, Garett McWhirter, Julia Morrow,