COLLECTION 19: RISD Apparel Design Seniors to Debut their Work on the Runway

Two Shows on Saturday, May 11 at George V. Meehan Auditorium

PROVIDENCE, RI – On May 11, 2019 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Apparel Design seniors will debut their one-of-a-kind creations on the runway at COLLECTION 19. The Apparel Design department’s popular fashion show offers audiences an exclusive look at tomorrow’s top fashion designers. Shows are scheduled for 4 pm and 7 pm at the George V. Meehan Auditorium at Brown University, 225 Hope Street, Providence, RI.

“COLLECTION offers a unique opportunity for the community to see emerging talent while getting a glimpse into the design process of our students,” notes Apparel Design Department Head Lisa Z. Morgan. “It has been an honor to watch our students grow as designers during their time at RISD. Through the process of creating clothing - they are also constructing meaning and they are reflecting upon identity, society, our emotions and the desire to make a difference."

Graduating seniors are poised to join a group of prominent RISD alumni in the apparel industry. Tae Ashida 87 AP, Katie Gallagher 09 AP, Tess Giberson 96 AP, Sari Gueron 97 AP, Sally Lapointe 06 AP, Nicole Miller 73 AP, Marcia Patmos 91 AP, Jamall Osterholm 17 AP and Nicole Romano 00 AP have all started independent labels, while others—such as Vanessa Pang 95 AP, senior design director for Michael Kors Men’s Collections, and Julia Han 15 AP, associate designer at Banana Republic—are among the many alumni who have found success at leading design houses.

RISD’s Apparel Design department prepares students to meet the highest requirements of the fashion industry. Built on the philosophy that design, vision and technical skills are mutually enhancing, the program is structured to take students through all aspects of apparel design and construction, from functional to experimental clothing. Technical classes proceed from basic to advanced drafting, draping, tailoring and knitwear and these are paired with classes which explore identity, history and individual authorship. RISD has offered programs in costume, clothing and fashion since 1918 and established the Apparel Design department in 1952.

COLLECTION 19 tickets are $15 for the 4 pm show and $25 for the 7 pm show. Starting April 10, tickets will be available for purchase online at risd.edu/collection. Proceeds benefit the RISD Scholarship Fund. For more information please call 401.454.6180 or visit the Collection page on risd.edu.

About Rhode Island School of Design
The mission of RISD (pronounced “RIZ-dee”), through its college and museum, is to educate students and the public in the creation and appreciation of works of art and design, to discover and transmit knowledge and to make lasting contributions to a global society through critical thinking, scholarship and innovation. Our immersive model of art and design education emphasizes robust liberal arts studies and conceptually driven studio-based learning in full-time bachelor's and master's degree programs across 19 majors. RISD's exceptional faculty foster student growth and development in extensive specialized facilities, enabling students to become confident, cross-disciplinary thinkers and nimble problem-solvers ready to confront the complexities of global practice in the 21st century. Nearly 30,000 alumni worldwide testify to the impact of a RISD education, exemplifying the vital role artists and designers play in defining global innovation. Founded in 1877, RISD and the RISD Museum help make Providence, RI among the most culturally active and creative cities in the region. For more information, visit risd.edu and our.risd.edu.

Note to editors
If you wish to obtain images, attend the show or speak with students and faculty members, please contact Danielle Mancuso at 401.454.6334 or dmancuso@risd.edu.