The Social Hall will turn into Buffalo State’s very own catwalk when the fashion and textile
technology department holds its sixth annual Runway show Saturday.
Runway 6.0 will be held on campus for the first time. It has previously been held in off-
campus locations like Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Pierce Arrow Building.
Runway is a showcase of all the detailed work by students both in and outside of the
fashion and textile technology major. Created by Buffalo State lecturer Erin Habes in 2008,
it is designed to highlight the fashion design program at Buffalo State and show off the
designers. It is also a way to bring together the community to help them appreciate the
program and get connected with the school.
This year’s theme, “Citybits/Citybytes,” was thought of by Habes and professor Elaine
Polvinen, and draws upon the Year of the City initiative.
“Because it’s the Year of the City in Buffalo I wanted to follow that trend and give the
designers a focused point of view,” Habes said. “It means it’s a bit of the idea, and a byte of
the concept of Year of the City.”
Kit Sombke, the public relations coordinator for Runway 6.0, believes it will be a great way
for these designers to get noticed.
“I think it’s really important for any fashion department to have a fashion show,” Sombke
said. “Guest judges are sometimes big designers and it’s a great opportunity to get scouted
and possibly offered a job.”
This year’s show will boast over 20 designers including four senior designers. These senior
designers will have a look book of their designs for sale at the show.
Tickets are available through the box office in Rockwell Hall and at Wegmans on Amherst
Street.
The cost is $10 for students, $15 for the public for general admission tickets to the 3 p.m.
show. Tickets are $20 for all general admission tickets for the 8 p.m. show.
For $100, guests can buy a VIP ticket, attend the pre-show reception at 6:30 in the Fireside
Lounge, receive front row seats and swag bags filled with samples and gifts from major
brands, and enjoy food prepared by the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Flying
Bison and the Ringside Vineyards will provide beer and wine for guests 21 and over.
Buffalo State alumna and fashion illustrator Jenna Murray will be in the lounge creating
sketches for guests, and DJ Bigski will provide music.
Student producer Judean Griffith believes the VIP lounge is a great opportunity to take
advantage of.
“It’s a private lounge where there will be lots of opportunity to mingle and network,” she
said.
All proceeds go to the Fashion & Textile Technology Department Scholarship fund, which
provides awards for the designers at the end of the show.
Guest judges will decide on first place senior designer, single items, student collections and
best in show.
“I’m really excited about Runway being on campus this year,” Habes said. “It’s Just another
event to bring together Buffalo State and help them appreciate the talent that comes from
their fellow students.”
Students in junior year or later who are interested in becoming involved next year can take
the class Fashion Show Production, which is only offered in the spring.
“It’s a great way to get hands on experience in a field that you’re hoping to have a job in,”
VIP Coordinator Jenn Blum said.
Caitlin Waters can be reached by email at waters1.record@live.com.