“It’s okay to dream beyond the realm of possibilities.” - Pharrell Williams
In honor of the Year of Totality, RUNWAY invites an exploration of transformation, mirroring the phases of an eclipse. Fashion designers are encouraged to delve into the shifts in mood and aesthetics that parallel this once-in-a-lifetime event, echoing the diverse and ever-evolving spectrum of human identities.
The focus of RUNWAY 2024 will be True Delusion, which dances between fantasy and reality. Just as fashion pushes the boundaries of creativity, our minds often blur the line between what's real and what's imagined. We are entering the digital age of fashion, where both physical and digital become fluid. This intersection serves as a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain in our mental landscapes.
True Delusion harnesses the power of RUNWAY to cast a spotlight on mental health and well-being. We recognize the profound influence of creative expression in the healing journey. In this celestial alignment, we aim to showcase the transformative potential of art and self-expression, providing a safe space for designers to use their talents to uplift and empower individuals navigating the complex landscape of mental health challenges. True Delusion stands as a testament to the healing and rejuvenating force of creativity, offering solace, inspiration, and hope in the face of life's challenges.
2024 SPONSORS
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PRESENTING SPONSOR
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BESPOKE
Spicy Creative, Tribe Up North, Legacy House,
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COUTURE
COLLECTION
Evergreen Health, Crisis Services, M&T Bank, Franco’s Pizza, West Herr, Wegman’s, Renew Bath and Body, Ingram Micro, In-Room Plus,
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DESIGNER
Buffalovebus, Second Chic, Metagama, Save the Rags, Ms. Eye Candy Boutique, Trend Up​, ​DJ Milk, Dion's Dreamers, Buffalo Art Movement
Beau Fleuve Music & Art, Alumni Association
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CAMPUS PARTNERS
School of Professions, Buffalo State Foundation, Open House, Africana Studies, Fiber Arts, Events Management, Marketing and Communications, and Alumni Association.
EMCEES
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STUDENT DIRECTORS
Kerrisa Johnson & Isabella Hillestad
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STUDENT PRODUCER
David Adekanbi
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JUDGES
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MARK MAIDMENT
New Era Cap | SVP Brand
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NATALIE ANSPACH
New Era Cap | Senior Manager Apparel
AUSTIN GUYETT '19
New Era Cap | Coordinator, Design Operations
By A Guy | Founder
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VANESSA MILLER '11 '20 '24
New Era Cap | Assistant Technical Designer
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SAMUEL BOAKYE '13
PROJECT | Brand Manager & Kwasi Paul | Founder
@projectshow | @kwasipaulofficial
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JASMINE TAKINIKOS
Brand Human | Founder
@brandhuman | @jasminetakanikos
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DR. FRANCISCO "PACO" HERNANDEZ
BAM! | Buffalo Art Movement | Founder
@buffartmovement
ALICE YUMI SINZATO
Fashion Educator, Visual Artist, Fashion Designer
SHOW LINEUP
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OPENING VIDEO
By Creative Connect | Alexander Harold '19
Music by The Original Strand | Sarah Maybee
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ALUMNI COLLECTIONS
Madeline McDaniel '21
Rubiya Nsiah '22
Landon Moreis '19
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SINGLE ITEM
Caroline Abreu
Sabrina Russell
Artis Wilkins
Sadie Pratt-Filker
Jacob Frothingham
Nevaeh Reyes
Amani Karam
Jada Ivey
Jay Phillips
Jenovique Lukanu
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Spoken Word by Jay Phillips
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BUFFALO ART MOVEMENT (BAM!)
Amani Karam
Zii Spencer
Krish Gangadharan
Kaylee Starkweather
Maddy McDaniel '21
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FIBER ART
Brianna Bernas
Zoe Rodriguez
Gabrielle Hall
Hollie Roberts
Karrington Jackson
Zahra Forde
Kamryn McEachin
Ashley Fidler
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LEGACY DANCE TEAM
Under the direction of Naila Ansari
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STUDENT COLLECTIONS
Anthony McKeon
Ashten Craig
Kaylee Starkweather
LinLin Lu & Krish
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FASHION FILM
By Creative Connect | Alexander Harold '19
Makeup | Cosmetics by Sydney LLC
Location | LegacyHouse
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SENIOR DESIGNERS
Lisa Siemer Harvey
Meya Brown
Jessica Agu
Leah Cray
Rebecca Siglin
Da'Von Choates
Zii Spencer
Tarae Porter
Kamryn McEachin
Robby Motz
Karrington Jackson
*Senior designer interviews by Legacy House
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CLOSING VIDEO
By Creative Connect | Alexander Harold '19
Music by The Original Strand | Sarah Maybee
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AWARDS
Production All-Star Award $250
Sponsored by Sweet & Dirty Vintage
RUNWAY Impact Award $500
Sponsored by Danielle Ossher
Fiber Arts Awards
Honorable Mention $50
Fiber Art 3rd Place
Fiber Art 2nd Place
Sponsored by Carol Townsend & Susan McCartney
Buffalo Art Movement Awards
BAM! Lab Rising Star
BAM! Lab Best Design
Sponsored by Paco Hernandez
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Apparel Design Awards
Single Item Award $250
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Rising Star Award $250
Sponsored by Beau Fleauve Music & Art
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Student Collection $300
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4th Place Senior Designer - $300
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3rd Place Senior Designer - $500
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2nd Place Senior Designer - $750
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1st Place Senior Designer $1,000
Photo Shoot with Tribe Up North
Sponsored by Nancy Belfer
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Best in Show $1,000
Sponsored by Dion's Dreamers
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU
FTT FACULTY
Erin Habes | Runway Faculty Director
Dr. Shantel Reid | Senior Design Professor
Dr. Keunyoung Oh | FTT Chair
Dr. Mamta Saharan
Dr. Arlesa Shephard
Dr. Ji Young Lee
Dr. Liza Abraham
Dr. Emine Ercan
Johanna Brassel
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AFRICANA STUDIES
Dr. Marcus Watson
Naila Ansari
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FIBERS
Jozef Bajus
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PRODUCTION
Indigo Productions
Brian Milbrand & Niall Gribbons | Visuals & Projection
DJ Milk & DJ Yes
Sarah Maybee
Creative Connect
Legacy House
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VIP CREW
Pam Voyer | VIP Coordinator
Amy Ramos | Student Coordinator
Franklin Crocker | Emcee
Craig Freudenthal | VIP Lighting
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MODELS, HAIR & MAKEUP
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DJ
DJ Milk & DJ Yes
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RED CARPET HOSTS
Ditzy Duke
Ricky Moral-Less
