Fashion Studies presents the Spring 2025 Fashion Show
Wild Metropolis
Thursday May 1st
Clocktower Plaza, SRJC Petaluma Campus
Doors Open at 6pm
Show starts at 6:30pm
General Admission $20
SRJC Student $10
Purchase Tickets HERE
This year’s theme, “Wild Metropolis,” explores the contrast between the natural world and the urban landscape, bringing the jungle to the city and highlighting the untamed beauty of nature through fashion. This entirely student-produced event will showcase original garments and accessories designed and crafted by students of the Fashion Studies Program.
Show Director and SRJC student Henrik Gutt expressed his excitement, saying, "I am thrilled to direct this year's fashion show celebrating the creativity and talent of our local student designers. It's going to be a spectacular evening of fashion, artistry, and community!"
One segment of the show will focus on upcycled fashion, emphasizing sustainability and creative reuse in the industry. “Students are deeply committed to sustainability and minimizing waste,” said Budget Director Janice Oakley. “The upcycled segment will highlight how existing garments can be altered to create a unique look that expresses personal flair and avoids waste.”
In addition to this sustainability-focused collection, five advanced design students will debut their original collections. Erica LaFave, an aspiring Fashion Institute of Technology student, will present a four-look collection inspired by her journey from sketch to final garment. “It’s been liberating to bring my drawings to life,” she shared. “Each piece reflects skills I’ve gained from every course in the program.” Willow McMinn, who will be graduating this May, is set to unveil a collection of streetwear looks influenced by the Bay Area alternative fashion scene. Local dressmaker Bernadette Milani, a returning guest designer, will bring her signature craftsmanship to the show. Mina Nguyen, a senior at Rancho Cotati High School, will showcase her work as part of the Advanced Fashion Design course. Rounding out the designer lineup is Henrik Gutt, who, despite being new to the program, brings prior fashion school experience from his native Germany and is eager to present his creative vision on the runway.
The evening will conclude with the Fashion Studies Design Contest, themed “Jacquard to Dye For.” This year’s challenge required students to develop original designs using jacquard fabrics generously donated by Bella Notte Linens and enhanced with natural dyes such as indigo, marigold, and cochineal. Emily Melville, Fashion Studies Program Coordinator, shared her enthusiasm for this year’s contest, explaining, “Thanks to a generous donation, we were able to host a natural dye workshop led by an expert from Petaluma’s Fiber Circle Studio. This year’s entries are truly stunning, some of the best we’ve ever seen.”
Continuing a tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration, students from various SRJC programs have contributed to bringing the production to life. Theatre Arts students will assist with set design and construction, Costume students will help with hair and makeup, Digital Photography students will capture images of the show, and Digital Media students will support audio and video production.
