PULLMAN, Wash. — The hard work and creativity of 21 Washington State University students will be on full display as models strut the runway at this year’s fashion show.
Dubbed “Solstice,” the event takes place during Family Weekend on Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in WSU Pullman’s Beasley Coliseum.
This year’s fashion show is unique because most participating students are double majoring in design and merchandising, said Yini Chen, fashion show stage director and assistant professor in WSU’s Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles (AMDT).
“I’m excited to see how they bring together both sides of their skill set, combining creative vision with strategic, market-minded thinking, to produce their collections,” she said. “I love seeing students’ passion, creativity, and teamwork come to life as they collaborate to create a show that truly represents them.”
AMDT Industry Advisory Board representatives from companies including Nordstrom, UGG/Deckers Brands, Amazon, Terri Eagle Group, and Nike will attend the show, during which several student awards will also be presented.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our talented AMDT students’ artistic creations at this highly anticipated event,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “The fashion show is a culmination of a year’s worth of hard work that allows the students to showcase their unique designs while giving them an experience that ensures a competitive edge as they transition to industry careers.”
Apparel merchandising senior Olivia Loffer has enjoyed gaining valuable leadership experience as the show’s stage manager. Acting as an intermediary between the production team and designers, she handles logistics, delegates work, helps with model fittings, assists with event promotion, and confirms due dates are being met.
“My goal is to offer support and boost morale by helping whichever team needs it most,” Loffer said.
She will be backstage the night of the show, ensuring that everything from the dressing of the models to the timing of their walks goes smoothly.
“It’s a lot of pressure, and I’m really excited, but also a little nervous,” Loffer said. “I want to make sure the show is seamless and that we’re able to celebrate the hard work of our senior designers.”
Among those seniors is Kamil Hall.
“It’s a full circle moment,” he said. “After attending the fashion show the last two years, I’m excited to participate myself.”
Hall will debut two masculine designs and two feminine designs. One men’s look includes a cardigan and denim pants; the second look is a double patch pocket zip-up hoodie and pleated trousers with a welt pocket. The women’s designs include a raincoat dress as well as a skirt with a Camino-style top. He’ll also create bags to go with each outfit.
Hall has enjoyed watching his ideas evolve into a wearable product he is proud of.
“Fashion is an art, and it’s often a lot of trial and error,” he said “You have to trust the process. Seeing everything come together in the end is a beautiful experience. It’s been a good journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Britney Nguyen, another senior apparel design major, developed a passion for fashion after taking sewing lessons in high school. She said creating a portfolio of her work has helped her feel prepared for a real-world career.
Nguyen’s fashion show designs are inspired by a longtime interest in anime.
“Anime is nostalgic for me because it basically represents my whole childhood,” she said. “I’m excited to see my models on stage.”
Nguyen’s four designs are rooted in the Japanese Lolita fashion style and based on the concept of demons and angels. Focusing on the more classic, Victorian genre within the style, Nguyen’s designs include two feminine looks and two masculine looks. Her corresponding props include horns for the demon outfits, and feathered, wing-like structures for the angel outfits.
In addition to allowing students an opportunity to share their designs publicly, the show offers experience in a real-world event setting, said Chen.
“Participating in a large‑scale production helps students understand how to collaborate across roles, meet deadlines, and adapt to unexpected challenges,” she said. “These skills are highly sought after in the fashion and creative industries, and the experience students gain through the show helps them stand out as they begin their careers.”
Loffer agrees.
“If an AMDT student wants to prepare for life after graduation, participating in the fashion show is the place to do it,” she said. “This is one of the most valuable courses I’ve taken at WSU. It has taught me real industry skills that I know will look good on my resume.”
More info:
Fashion show tickets are available via:
- AMDT Online Store
- WSU Athletic Ticket Office (1-800-GO-COUGS), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- CUB tabling event, April 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Beasley Ticket Office on the day of the show
- Event website