Used with written permission from Lillian Egner
University of Minnesota senior designer Elizabeth Bischoff began to work on her final project almost a year ago. Now, despite the anxiety, she can’t wait to see her pieces walk down the runway at the fashion show.

According to Bischoff, the fashion show at the University of Minnesota Feb. 6 will display how each designer has grown throughout the design program. Bischoff said each of the 15 designers will showcase four to five looks of their semester work from women’s formal evening wear to children’s styles.

Senior designer Aly Gates said students began the project almost a year ago.

“This is a semester-long project that we do, but we start researching the collection in the spring of our junior year,” Gates said. “To have everything come together and finally showcase our line is very exciting.”

Sophomore Philip Djerf said he believes this event differs from other fashion shows because students showcase their work outside of the classroom setting.

“I think the show is interesting because it allows students to show their work not only to their teachers, but show it off to people they have never met before,” Djerf said.

Bischoff said she appreciates the project because it allows her the opportunity to create designs without any classroom constraints.

“The senior fashion show designs came from our own personal lines without any restraints,” Bischoff said. “The show is a closer representation of who we are.”

According to Bischoff, the designers grew immensely through the final project and furthered their identity as artists.

“Through this whole process we have learned what we like to make and what our aesthetics are,” Bischoff said. “I personally have learned that I really like making gowns and bridal. I was able to make a line off of that because I learned that was what I like to do.”

Bischoff said she emphasizes the importance of the fashion show for high school students because the event promotes creativity.

“The show is very important for high school students because it is very inspiring and it shows that everyone has an imagination and what you can do with it,” Bischoff said.

Gates said she and the designers feel excited to present their collections and hard work for the public to see.

“To see all of us at the peak of our education, showing friends and family something that is so personal to us, is something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” Gates said.

Sophomore Izzy Leviton said she believes the fashion show will attract high school viewers because the show exhibits the cumulative designs of young people.

“I think it’s cool that people get to showcase their work and show what they have been working on for a while,” Leviton said. “I think students would be interested because it’s a cool way to see what’s going on around Minneapolis and see young artists’ work.”

The show will premiere for two showings at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 6 in Ransom Hall at the University of Minnesota. Tickets, along with more information about the show, are available on the University of Minnesota College of Design website.