Katwalk 2020 Program by St. Catherine University

FASHION ASSOCIATION The St. Catherine University Fashion Association is a student-led nonprofit organization involving students who have an interest in fashion. We plan a variety of events on- and off-campus that promote fashion-related education, career advancement, and sustainability. The main event we host, the annual Katwalk Fashion Show, is a showcase for students in the Apparel, Merchandising, and Design program at St. Catherine University. This event is produced entirely by students, from planning, to fundraising, and event execution.

FACULTY Anupama Pasricha, PhD, is the chair of the Department of Apparel Merchandising and Design. She has been teaching at St. Kate’s since 2005, and has more than 25 years of global teaching and research experience. Courses taught at St. Kate’s by Pasricha include Textiles, Technical Garment Analysis, Advanced Construction, Sustainable Product Development, Computer-Aided Design & Development, and Internship Practicum. She also teaches Global Search for Justice, a capstone liberal arts seminar course. An advocate for ethical designers and brands, she is the executive director of Educators for Socially Responsible Apparel Practices, where she is a thought leader on sustainable fashion. She also serves on the Minnesota Textile Center Board of Directors. Pasricha was honored with the St. Catherine University Bonnie Jean Kelly and Joan Kelly Award for Faculty Excellence. Pasricha advises for study abroad fashion programs, collaborates with industry and community partners, and supervises student internships. Carol Mager has taught at St. Kate’s since 2006. She teaches Patternmaking, Advanced Pattern Making, Apparel Construction and Analysis, Draping and Creative Design, and Apparel Design Seminar, where apparel design majors create their junior and senior collections. Carol also teaches the J-term Fashion Studies in Europe course and serves as the St. Catherine University Fashion Association (SCUFA aka Fashion Club) faculty advisor. She has extensive industry background, having worked for several manufacturing and apparel companies, including Field and Stream, B. W. Harris Mfg, and Target Corporation.

FACULTY continued

Jacqueline Parr is the new assistant professor at St. Catherine University in the Apparel, Merchandising, and Design program. In addition, she is completing her PhD at the University of Minnesota in Retail Merchandising and Consumer Studies. Jacqueline received her master's in merchandising from the University of North Texas and bachelor's in fashion merchandising from Texas Christian University. Her professional experience includes positions held at Neiman Marcus as an assistant buyer in Men’s Couture Clothing and as a vendor account manager for Walmart Accessories. She has experience in merchandise planning, brand management, visual merchandising, supply chain management, product development, and assortment planning. Her research interests include small businesses, sustainability, and innovative technology. Trudy Landgren, professor emerita, has taught at St. Kate’s since 1986. Her expertise in apparel quality and technical specifications has helped the program evolve over the years. Throughout her years at St. Kate’s she has led numerous study abroad fashion courses. Trudy regularly volunteers her time and expertise to help with our fabric room.

Jennifer Adam has taught Fashion Illustration as an adjunct instructor in the Apparel, Merchandising, and Design program since 2006. This year she is also teaching Computer-Aided Design & Development. Jennifer works as the visual resources curator in Art and Art History and is a practicing artist on her own time. One of the highlights of her work with Fashion Illustration students was advising them in their submission to Colorama, a prestigious international design contest, in 2018. Jennifer is proud to say that their submission was named a finalist in the competition, alongside prominent schools in New York, Cairo, Paris, and Hong Kong, and can be viewed online. Kathryn Reiley, PhD, is an adjunct professor in the department teaching Visual Merchandising and Sociocultural Aspects of Dress. Students in her courses have won visual merchandising awards in the Twin Cities. Reiley also teaches at the University of Minnesota and previously at the Art Institutes International MN. Classes taught by Reiley include Textiles, Fashion Trends, History of Fashion, and Dress, Society and Culture. Her research interests include dress, aesthetics, vintage clothing, sustainability, and consumer behavior.

SUSTAINABILITY At St. Catherine University, our students study environmental and social justice issues related to sustainability in fashion and apparel – valuable knowledge for a future career. Eco-fashion and a focus on human rights in manufacturing are important for consumers, as well as the fashion industry. St. Kate’s incorporates these topics throughout the program. The descriptions below expand on sustainable design projects across the curriculum. This year due to the limitation imposed by COVID-19, sustainability projects are showcased along with individual designer collections.

Zero Waste Projects: Advanced Patternmaking and Draping & Creative Design Visually, you will not see any difference in designs made with Zero Waste techniques. However, in the apparel industry, minimizing waste is the Holy Grail of production. Using two very different methodologies, students in separate classes created the same outcome — 100% utility of raw materials! • Advanced Patternmaking students created patterns using unconventional shaping of flat patterns that, when interlocked, used 100% of the material they chose to work with, leaving no waste. This project is product engineering at its best and most efficient. • Draping & Creative Design students use traditional draping techniques on mannequins to use the entire length and width of materials, creating their zero waste projects. Many of these projects will be explained and examined in a St. Catherine University, zero-waste design publication currently being developed.

Advanced Construction Sustainability Project Students in Advanced Construction partnered with Sisterhood Boutique to create one-of-a-kind custom fit ensembles using deconstruction, reconstruction, and upcycling techniques to extend the useful life span of garments. These garments were showcased in their virtual fashion show, “Earth Day.” Sisterhood Boutique is a second-hand clothing store that was founded by East African youth. The boutique works with local youth to teach them business operation and financial literacy.

Apparel Construction & Analysis of Reengineered Textile Project This project asks students to use an existing garment or textile from their wardrobe or a thrift shop and turn it into a new exciting design. The reengineering process extends the life of a garment or fabric by eliminating it from the textile waste stream. These projects challenge novice sewers to go beyond basic sewing skills and engage their personal creativity!

Apparel Design Seminar This year our senior class took on the task of repairing and mending small manufacturing defects of new pre-sale ready-to-wear clothing. All repaired clothes were made wearable and usable and diverted from being discarded. (Note: As these clothes were from a retail industry partner, they are not showcased in the show.)

Below Zero by Tegan Sickler, Apparel Design Senior Below Zero is a zero-waste outerwear line designed to keep you warm. Tegan wanted to create a line that was practical, fashionable and sustainable. She used wool fabric that was donated to our program and came from our fabric room. Each pattern was engineered to create no fabric waste and to keep the wearer warm, even in cold Minnesota winters. Tegan also wanted to create more gender-neutral silhouettes and garments that would fit a variety of body shapes.

JUNIOR COLLECTIONS Mercutio Treacherous Thing Treacherous Thing is an exploration of volatile emotions in the aftermath of trauma. This collection juxtaposes softness with harsh edges to tell a story of vulnerability, anger, and an ongoing struggle for survival and justice.

Sabrina Nelson #@*%, Jackie! Inspired by characters of “That 70’s Show,” this clothing line has a groovy casual aesthetic to match this fad-happy decade. These ‘fits are the perfect looks for driving your Vista Cruiser while listening to an 8-track!

Nicole Anglieque Pinkosh Meet Me in the Woods This collection is inspired by the folksy magic from fairy tales. This line is meant to be whimsical and evoke fond thoughts of wildflowers, campfires, and cooler woodsy nights just before summer turns to fall.

Bethany Weiher Dream On Dream On is a collection of 1970s-inspired fashion trends. I am bringing those fun, flirty, and free-spirited looks back to life with this groovy line. Let’s bring the good vibes back!

Jocelyn Yang Fearless Fearless is a Spring/Summer streetwear collection featuring Hmong textiles. It is inspired by strong-willed Hmong women who are daring and disrupt traditional values in the Hmong culture.

SENIOR COLLECTIONS

KALEA OTT Skogsrå

The Skogsrå are creatures within Norse mythology. They are found in the forest and are similar to sirens in that they allure and enchant huntsmen. As the lore goes, if the huntsmen are faithful to the Skogsrå, they will receive good luck and fortune. If he is not, the Skogsrå leaves with a part of the huntsman’s soul, so he will forever feel incomplete without her. This is a costume line that emphasizes movement and artistry. The fabric used in this line has been naturally dyed using many different parts of many different plants. From leaves to roots, fruit, and flowers, the colors all come from nature. Skogsrå is a showcase of nature and performance art, bringing power and strength together with grace and beauty. This line is dedicated to my sisters, the two most beautiful warriors I know. Mentor: Rhiannon Fiskradatz

Model: Yajaira Fleming Photographer: Jojo Spencer

AMY THAO Michi

Michi means street or road in Japanese. As someone who is inspired and interested in Japanese street fashion, I feel that it is important to express my line in the language of the culture that inspires me most. The first time that I saw Japanese street fashion, I thought it was weird — it didn’t make sense to me, but it really captured my attention. I love how bold it is. As I learned more about the people behind the clothes, I realized that empowerment is key in the street fashion realm. The clothes don’t have to make sense to anyone but the wearer. The line that I have created is meant to inspire and embolden the people who wear it. Fashion is up to interpretation and style. The way that I wear something is not going to be the same as any other person. I have thought of all the details in my line, from the earrings, makeup, shoes, etc. Fashion and style, to me, are all about the details that make up the whole. What I love most about fashion is how fluid and powerful it can be. Wearing what makes you feel good, is what is important. That’s what I want to accomplish with my line. I feel like I hear a lot of the people in my life immediately refuse to try something on because they “know” it’s not going to represent them. I want to challenge this idea by creating unique pieces for each of my models. I am handing over the power to the models as they strut down the Katwalk to prove their courage. Mentor: Maria Dang

Model: Gao Lee Thao Photographer: Jojo Spencer

THERESA ROTH Macabre

In works of art, the adjective macabre means “exposed to a grim atmosphere.” My line, Macabre, emphasizes the details and symbols of death. Though some designers find the warmth and vibrancy of spring to be the most inspiring for their work, I prefer the cold and dead of winter as my muse. Macabre, a five-piece (ready-to-wear) women’s collection is dedicated to the beauty of the Fall/Winter season. They are the deviants, the eccentrics, the arcane. They are also the rebels, the misfits, the wayward souls. Those who wear what I craft separate themselves from social norms and stresses of society. They live in a world that stands still and silent and is graced with the icy kiss of winter. They find solace wearing what feels like dark poetry upon their skin. Mentor: Kailyn Mclain

Model: Rachel Giesen Photographer: Jojo Spencer

ALEXIS JENSON Fine Line

Fine Line is a collection inspired by the intersection of what is typically defined as “masculinity” and “femininity.” Playing off London street style, each ensemble has elements of menswear and womenswear, creating an androgynous yet glamourous look. Inspired by Harry Styles’ album of the same name, the original inspiration for Fine Line came from this quote by the singer: “What’s feminine, and what’s masculine...it’s like there are no lines anymore.” Fine Line was made for men, women, and individuals beyond the binary. No matter who the wearer is, or how they identify, they will feel cool, unique, and attract attention from those around them. Fine Line’s fabrics focus on playing with texture and structure with a number of the fabrics being sourced from previously discarded fabric remnants. The final ensemble “Watermelon Sugar” is a completely zero waste garment meaning there was no waste created during the construction. For me, fashion has always been about representation. Growing up I never saw anyone with my body type in the industry. As I learned more about fashion I saw how little representation there was for people of different body types, sizes, ethnicities, cultures, and identities. Throughout my fashion journey, I’ve always strived to help people feel seen and represented. That’s why it is so important for me to make sure my collection is as inclusive as possible. Mentor: Ann Kelly

Model: Pam Jenkins Photographer: Jojo Spencer

LEAH BABALOLA The More The Merrier

This is a Fall/Spring collection. The inspiration for this collection is from the 1940s fashion and movie titled, The More the Merrier. This collection is created for women/men with high fashion and stylish taste who like wearing statement pieces. The More The Merrier is a collection that incorporates different aspects of fashion like tailored garments and hats, yet emphasizing the importance of sustainability. Also, the use of extra stitching, pleats, pockets, buttons and extravagant trimmings were applied. Deadstock fabrics were manipulated to give fresh and new looks. Each ensemble is bold and fearless to stand alone yet cohesive with other ensembles. Mentors: Karen Morris and Samantha Rei

Model: Abby Born Photographer: Jojo Spencer

ANNA LETICIA ROSALES-CHASE Oxidize

Oxidize is an after-five, Fall/Winter collection. Inspired by women’s business wear in the 1950s, this collection uses corsets as a foundation for a dramatic silhouette. Oxidize is heavily inspired by the vintage fashion brand Lilli Ann, a brand that created exquisitely tailored, high-fashion suits, dresses, and jackets for women. Oxidize is for women who aren’t afraid to stand out from a crowd and make a statement. Crisp lines and structured garments create exaggerated waists and sharp angles, while bright pops of color add intrigue. Oxidize combines natural and re-engineered fibers and vintage shapes, giving them a modern twist, creating an avant-garde yet elegant look. Mentor: Sheila Leiter

Model: Madelyn Busse Photographer: Jojo Spencer

KHARMIA SCHANKS A Modern Renaissance

My line is a modern twist on the Elizabethan period (1500s) and the Baroque period (1600s). I am a lover of historical fashion, and these are my two favorite time periods because of the drama, the details, and the craftsmanship. This is a luxury eveningwear collection. Although inspired by historical costumes, it is not a costume line. This line is modern, glamorous, regal, and wearable. You will see elements such as statement puffy sleeves, v-shape waistlines, overdress styles, statement jewelry, and high necklines which are a nod to the Elizabethan and Baroque periods. The modern elements include hotpants, jumpsuits, dresses over shorts, and suit ensembles. Mentor: Lisa Thompson

Model: Danielle Swanson Photographer: Jojo Spencer

SABRINA AHMED Kore

Greek for “maiden,” Kore is a Spring/Summer collection inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone’s kidnapping, and how it brought about the changing of the seasons. The key aspect of understanding this collection is the story of Persephone. We enter the dawn of fall as Persephone descends into the underworld to be with her husband, causing her mother to bring winter to the world. Six months later, we see the joy and happiness of spring as she is returned to her mother for the other half of the year. Kore transitions from the youthful impressions of spring and summer into the indomitable elegance of winter. This collection takes inspiration from the delicate folds found in roses and tulips, channeling the feminine beauty of spring and juxtaposing it with the sharpness of winter. Mentor: Sheila Leiter

Model: Jasmine Rettig Photographer: Jojo Spencer

GAOXUE NANCY YANG Journey to the West

To know your identity is to know your roots. Journey to the West is a Winter high fashion Hmong costume collection in honor of Hmong American Designers. Components of the White Hmong subgroup from the Xiangkhouang Village of Laos were the inspirational design of this collection. Although many Hmong are now living in the diaspora, the conservancy of Hmong identity is embedded in traditional Hmong fashion that brings us closer in spite of our separation. This is a journey through space and back in time to bring you six contemporary high fashion and timeless designs. Several fabrics in this collection made their Journey to the West from Laos. The pleated white skirts hold a symbolic identification of the women in a White Hmong subgroup. The sustainable use of zero-waste designs in this costume collection shines a light on the traditional silhouettes of the White Hmong pleated skirt. The simplicity of black and blue hues are the authentic color for the White Hmong designs of Xiangkhouang Village, Laos. These particular fashion choices are what brought about an outstanding subgroup through fashion identification. Journey to the West is a new game changer for high fashion Hmong costume design. Mentor: John Thao

Model: Joua Vang Photographer: Jojo Spencer

PATRICIA MALEC The Twelfth Chime

The Twelfth Chime is a flirty and elegant formal collection that embraces femininity by focusing on florals. When we see floral clothes out in the world, we typically see printed fabrics, but this collection conveys this style through embroidery, brocades, and appliqués to bring in a bit of a twist. The Twelfth Chime is meant to be a modern fairytale that lasts well past midnight. Mentor: Barb Gingerich

Model: Sarah Griep Photographer: Jojo Spencer

stkate.edu