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This event is the annual spring fashion show produced by graduating students from the Fashion Design & Merchandising Department here at Villa Maria College. This event provides graduating seniors the venue to showcase not only their fashion designs but to demonstrate their ability to design and produce an industry standard fashion show. This year’s theme is called “The Vibe.”

The process begins in the student’s final fall semester and continue into the final spring semester. Each student must begin the process by identifying and target market (customer), constructing mood boards based on the demographics and psychographics of that target customer, moving on to sketching out a mini line, selecting fabrics and finally getting approve from the instructor to produce and pattern 5-6 items from mini collection.

We are so proud of the three graduating seniors; Carise Taylor, Donisha Gant and Santiago Aguirre on their accomplishments and we wish them the best as they enter into the profession as professional fashion designers knowing that they are fully prepared. Congratulations!

Dr. Gregory Childs
Part-time Instructor
Fashion Design & Merchandising

Taylor Tedesco
Part-Instructor
Fashion Design & Merchandising

Santiago Aguirre

Donisha Gant

Carise Taylor

Santiago Aguirre

Santiago chose to study fashion because it’s the only industry in which he could feel free to express himself. Clothing is so important in a person’s personality. His family comes from a fashion background. He decided to pursue a career in fashion because it was a beautiful thing growing up while watching his mother. It was there he was able to develop and discover himself as an individual. Fashion Design is not for everyone, a career full of excitement, joy, sadness, hardworking and more things. In the future, Santiago wants to be a Fashion Historian and work as a curator in museums. His love for art history is what drives him to this decision.

Artist Statement

My Collection is called GIRO, I started this project and wanted to develop a line for a young adult to be able to transition into a more professional but still elevated wardrobe. always breaking parameters and not letting anyone determine their style. I got inspired by the 60s, a place where fashion for men took a complete turn.

WELCOME TO GIRO

Donisha Gant

What has inspired my interest in fashion design?

It grew over time, 1st I wanted to be a visual artist in elementary school. I took up engineering in High School because of my interest in designing for building structures. During that time, I was always complimented on my style. There were things I wish I could purchase, but they weren’t available on the market. I decided I would pursue this new creative venture.

How would I describe my style?

My emotions are the catalyst for my appearance on a day-to-day basis. My color and pattern choices are based on my mood and the weather. In the near future I would like to teach basic sewing skills to young people. Pass my talents onward to the youth to enrich their knowledge.

Carise Taylor

Carise Taylor is a senior fashion design and merchandise student at Villa Marie College. Carise is an honor Society student who has received several dean’s lists and an emerge design certificate during her four years at Villa Maria College. Carise is a hard-working, determined, and driven individual. Carise has no problem putting forth the time and effort and research it takes to have a spectacular outcome. Carise knew at the age of 10 that she wanted to be in the fashion life. At this young age, she began showing a great interest in fashion. Carise was so enthusiastic about taking fashion up in college. Her journey begins in August 2018 and will come to an end in May 2022. Carise has learned several business skills during her internship. Carise is very confident in what she has worked so hard for and will allow each accomplishment and skill to work to her advantage as she begins the next part of her journey in life. Hiring her education to a master degree and owning her own business one day is the next dimension for Carise.

Artist Statement

How many times have we gone to buy an outfit and it was sexy, elegant, but not comfortable. Well my line has it all. S.E.C. sexy, elegant, and comfortable. The style of my garment makes you sexy. The color of my garment symbolizes elegance. The material used represents the comfort of the garment (charmeuse, nylon, and spandex).