CCS Presents First Apparel Design Runway Show

(“David Rodriguez Photo by Amber Zundel.”) The College for Creative Studies (CCS) made a dazzling debut in the world of fashion with its first-ever apparel design runway show. The event showcased the talent and creativity of undergraduate students enrolled in CCS’s fashion design program. The Apparel Design Show, held on the seventh floor of the … Continued

CCS Presents First Apparel Design Runway Show

(“David Rodriguez Photo by Amber Zundel.”)

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) made a dazzling debut in the world of fashion with its first-ever apparel design runway show. The event showcased the talent and creativity of undergraduate students enrolled in CCS’s fashion design program. The Apparel Design Show, held on the seventh floor of the Taubman Center, transformed an industrial storage space into a captivating venue where students’ innovative designs took center stage amidst the storage items and discarded objects.

CCS’s Fashion Design program, led by the esteemed footwear designer Aki Choklat, was established in 2015. It quickly gained recognition as the largest and most well-equipped fashion accessory design department in the United States. Initially, the program primarily focused on designing fashion accessories such as footwear, handbags, and small leather goods.

However, in 2022, CCS expanded its curriculum to include fashion apparel design, thanks to the addition of Antwerp designer Rey Pador. Pador joined the college as an associate professor and full-time faculty member in the fashion department, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Originally from Germany, Pador shared his thoughts on the show, stating, “In a way, the feel of the show reminds me of the tenacity and spirit of Detroit. There is a raw strength and beauty here that is often overlooked, but for those who are looking, who are paying attention, it shines above all else. It says, no matter what you take from us, or throw at us, we’ll work our way around and through it, if necessary.”

The runway show featured collections from five talented student designers: Andreas Caballero, Nicholas Madruga, David Rodriguez, Sarah Tombelli, and Veronica Wardowski. These budding fashion visionaries presented their novel designs to an eager audience, demonstrating their technical skills, artistic flair, and unique perspectives. The juxtaposition of their creations against the backdrop of storage items and discarded objects created a visually striking display that emphasized the transformative power of fashion.

The College for Creative Studies’ foray into fashion apparel design marks an exciting milestone in its evolution as a prominent institution for nurturing artistic talent. By expanding its program to include apparel design, CCS has opened up new avenues of exploration and expression for its students. The addition of Rey Pador, with his international background and creative expertise, has undoubtedly enriched the learning experience and broadened the program’s scope.

The inaugural runway show not only showcased the students’ remarkable designs but also paid homage to the resilience and spirit of Detroit. It served as a testament to the city’s ability to overcome challenges and find beauty in unexpected places. The transformed industrial space symbolized Detroit’s raw strength and its inhabitants’ unwavering determination to overcome obstacles.

As the applause filled the runway, the College for Creative Studies celebrated a successful event that marked the beginning of a new chapter in its fashion program. With each passing year, the program is sure to produce more innovative and talented designers who will leave their mark on the fashion industry. CCS’s commitment to fostering creativity and embracing diverse perspectives will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of fashion.