COLLECTION 2017: RISD Apparel Design Seniors to Debut their Work on the Runway

Two Shows on Saturday, May 13 at George V. Meehan Auditorium

Providence, RI - Apparel Design seniors at Rhode Island School of Design [RISD] will debut their one-of-a-kind creations on the runway at COLLECTION 2017. The Apparel Design department's popular fashion show, which offers audiences an exclusive look at the fashion industry's emerging talent, will take place on Saturday, May 13 with shows at 4:00PM and 7:00PM at the George V. Meehan Auditorium at Brown University [225 Hope Street, Providence, RI].

COLLECTION 2017 will exclusively feature the work of the department's 18 seniors. The designs, which reflect professional-level conceptual and technical skills, are juried by a panel of guest critics - professional designers who give students critical feedback over the course of the school year and ultimately determine which garments make it to the runway. The rigorous selection process is an important part of students' preparation to enter the competitive fashion industry. This year's jury includes Sara Kozlowski, fashion design strategist for CFDA; Lisa Z. Morgan, British artist, designer and writer; Dean Sidaway, educator and artist; and Kate Wallace, design director of Women's Knits, Sweaters and Cold Weather Accessories, Club Monaco.

"It has been an honor to watch our students evolve as designers and makers," notes Gilks. "COLLECTION is an exciting community event that showcases the incredible talent of our students and offers a view into their journey as designers. The move to the Meehan Auditorium at Brown University for the first time offers a larger runway and more immersive experience for attendees."

Graduating seniors are poised to join a group of prominent alumni in the apparel industry.

Nicole Miller [AP 73], Sari Gueron [AP 97], Katie Gallagher [AP 09], Sally Lapointe [AP 06], Robert Geller [AP 01], Nicole Romano [AP 00], Tess Giberson [AP 96], Tae Ashida [AP 87] and Marcia Patmos [AP 91] have all started independent labels, while others - such as Vanessa Pang [AP 95], senior design director for Michael Kors Men's Collections and Julia Han [AP 15], assistant designer at Calvin Klein- 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 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 and construction, and incorporate the use of computers as a tool for design and product visualization. RISD has offered programs in Costume, Clothing and Fashion since 1918, and established the Apparel Design department in 1952.

COLLECTION 2017 tickets are $15 for the 4:00PM show and $25 for the 7:00PM show. Starting March 29^th, 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
Known as the leading college of art and design in the United States,Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is ranked #1 in Business Insider's survey of The World's 25 Best Design Schools. Approximately 2,450 students from around the world are enrolled in full-time bachelor's or master's degree programs in a choice of 19 majors. Students value RISD's accomplished faculty of artists and designers, the breadth of its specialized facilities and its hands-on approach to studio-based learning. Required courses in the liberal arts enrich the studio experience, equipping graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through their creative thinking and problem solving in a broad range of fields, RISD's 26,000 alumni exemplify the vital role artists and designers play in fueling global innovation. Founded in 1877, RISD (pronounced "RIZ-dee") 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
Broadcast media and photographers are invited to attend the 4:00PM show. No flash photography will be allowed at the 7:00PM show. Download high-resolution images, if you wish to attend the show or speak with students and faculty members, please contact Danielle Mancuso at 401.454.6334 or dmancuso@risd.edu.