SOPHOMORE DESIGNERS
JUNIOR DESIGNERS
senior designers
ALY GATES
SARAH FORSYTHE
MIA KUROKI
HOLLY WELWOOD
MARISSA LYNCH
CATHERINE MENZEL
HEIDI WOELFLE
REGENA YU
TABITHA ANDELIN
ROBert PETTYS-BAKER
GRACE CHEN
XIXI XU
SHENGJIE LI
ELIZABETH BISCHOFF
LEE TRAN
CREDITS
THANK YOU
JULIE ANDERSON VALERIA DASH
QINGKANG (CHARLIE) CAO distortion
HOLLY CAROTa professional play
CAITLIN HARTMAN up in arms
EVAN IDHE graphico
ALYSSA JOHNSON femme fatale
EMILY LAURICH freely constricted
KA YING LEE hmong modern
RAY MYERS taking off
BOUNKEUT NAMNAKHONE on the prowl
GENEVIEVE ROMAIN egyptian royalty
KELSEY RYAN hansol
LEXINE SCHUMM bougainvillea
RACHEL SKUDLAREK no sir
QUINESSA STIBBINS beat street
LAUREN (WREN) TILBURY dreaming of delhi
SPENCER VERSTEEG exposed
EMILY WALEN stems
WILLIS BATZ-KAMBY | THE WICKER WARRIOR
Drawing on the ideas of hostility and ritual, this garment is constructed with wicker and linens and inspired by warrior culture and literary fantasy.
megan clarke jonah
A tailored jacket mixing bold accents inspired by traditional yachting attire.
MELISSA FEIDT | SIP OF ONYX
A non-traditional hostess dress for entertaining guests, both on the list and uninvited.
SOPHIA GILLIGAN | CRISSCROSSED
This swimsuit and cover-up was inspired by California beaches and the need for a garment that’s both practical and eye-catching for a day in the sun.
MIKAELA HARROD | ROSS
A tailored streamlined suit jacket that is simple and classic for any man to wear, and will feel comfortable and stylish.
sinead kelly | itadakimasu
Inspired by the hospitality of Japanese culture, and constructed from non-traditional materials such as tea bags and cocktail umbrellas.
sarah klecker downtown jacket
Tailored jacket inspired by the downtown cool attitude of urban, casual, tomboy chic.
merm mirman punk’s not dead, just business casual
A blend of alternative aesthetic with a classic silhouette.
sydney moustakis | dauntless
An edgy look unified by pleated detailing, utilizing an innovative take on the traditional tailoring process throughout the jacket design.
marina qualey | wine stained cocktail dress
This garment was inspired by Grecian design and wine, utilizing wine-stained menus in different ways to play with texture and detail.
aaronn richter | arkham masquerade
“No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace.”- H.P. Lovecraft
leeah schuhwerck dancing water
This two-piece wrap around swimsuit showcases the romantic elegance of a dancer and the strength of an athlete.
abby schumacher | guess who’s coming to dinner
A non-traditional dinner party dress made out of broken cups and plates, doilies, and a tablecloth.
kyrie todd | u-taupe-ia
A simple, sexy one piece, perfect for wearing in paradise.
madelyn topp life after dark
A women’s tailored jacket featuring bold angles and feminine lace appliqué.
kina vang | just keep swagging
When urban wear meets swimwear, the beach gets fresh.
BIO As a designer and inherently creative soul, Aly values living with a sense of wonder and curiosity. Travel, compassion, and artistic expression continually influence her interest in fashion. Through exploration she collects personal experiences and images that inspire her designs and paint an image of unconstrained beauty. From the age of 17 she has held a variety of jobs and internships in the local fashion industry at companies such as Cliche and Dress for Success. Most recently Aly began the summer of 2015 working at a largescale animal sanctuary in Southern Utah, where she discovered inspiration for her senior collection in the surrounding landscape. The remainder of the summer was spent interning at San Francisco fashion-tech company, Stitch Fix where she got hands-on merchandising experience. After graduation, Aly plans to continue exploring her variety of passions which include design, editorial styling, visual merchandising, and working with nonprofit organizations.
collection Desert Rising is a blend of women’s ready-to-wear and loungewear that serves as a visual representation of the free-spirited lifestyle that has continually guided her designs. Heavily influenced by her recent travels through the Southwest, this collection evokes the femininity and effortlessness nature of the laid back California girl infused with 70’s inspired silhouettes. Incorporated into her designs are the soft lines of desert sand, rich colors of canyon rocks, and uninhibited expression derived from breathtaking vistas. Aly crafts designs that gracefully expose the skin, free the wearer, and offer a glimpse into the ethereal desert landscape that occupies her daydreams.
CONTACT gates074@umn.edu
alygates.weebly.com
BIO Sarah Forsythe is an apparel designer who values leading a passionate life. She explores her passion for apparel design by sharing it with others. Her goal is to solve real world problems through creativity and design. During her education at the University of Minnesota, Sarah volunteered with Dress for Success-Twin Cities and Project Diva and interned with local apparel companies such as Northern Attire and Coolibar. Sarah also spent the most recent summer interning in New York City for two major apparel companies, Nine West and Jockey. She has a unique focus in women’s swim, resort, active, and ready-to-wear. After graduation, Sarah plans to pursue a career as a creative designer in New York City.
collection Sarah’s senior collection, Dalliance, defined as “a brief affair”, references her love affair with living in New York City for a short three months. Dalliance is a luxurious resort wear collection where the thriving energy of New York City meets the luxury of a tropical resort. Meant to be worn on a beach vacation, this 5-look collection combines affluence with leisure. The wearer is someone who enjoys looking her best on vacation while lounging at a resort or on a cruise ship. The collection is meant to transport the wearer to a place where they can truly relax, take a break from their busy lifestyles, and enjoy the beauty surrounding them.
CONTACT forsy088@umn.edu
behance.net/sarahforsythe
BIO Growing up with a multicultural background, Mia Kuroki has seen the world from a unique perspective starting at a young age. She is a strong believer that less is more and this is reflected through her lifestyle and designs. Mia has an appreciation for the dynamic world of fashion while also being an activist concerned with social justice issues throughout the industry. Many people are unaware of the negative impact that the industry has on this earth and its people. Her goal is to spread awareness and make meaningful change. Mia gained experience as an intern and employee at Tumblewalla, a local organic children’s wear company, at Gymboree and as a nanny for a pair of energetic twins. She has also worked with preteens to develop their sewing, design, and engineering skills. These experiences have strengthened her creative and technical design skills.
collection Embark is a children’s wear collection that reflects Mia’s vision of leading the fashion industry in a different direction. If we are to bring something into this earth, we must make sure it does not harm it. Embark is constructed using the zero waste pattern-making technique, allowing her to construct the entire collection without producing any waste. The 100% organic cotton fabrics were naturally hand-dyed with indigo and dark walnut. Her inspiration for the designs comes from the heights of the mountains and the quiet of the forest. She wants to capture the raw optimism and hope that comes from a child’s point of view. Anything is possible.
BIO Holly’s passion for physical health, spiritual wellness, intentional living, and spending time outdoors have been the guiding principles in both her life and journey in design. A builder at heart, she chose to master the fine art of crafting apparel, a skill she hopes to be used for good in an otherwise unconscious industry. Her aptitude for quality craftsmanship and awareness of the impacts of the fashion supply chain motivates her to design for conscious consumers who seek health, balance and presence in their lives. Combining her love for wellness and design, Holly launched an Etsy based fitness line, Wee Yoga Wear in 2011, where she works to help revive slow paced, wholesome sewing as a respected craft.
collection Holly’s line is inspired by women who seek growth and fulfillment through external experiences and internal reflection. Aimed to live up to the arduous yet humble lifestyle of a Jill of all trades, she has carefully crafted a wardrobe of separates. She strategically sourced sustainable, natural materials such as cotton, hemp, silk, and wool from organizations who are rooted in the Slow Design movement and who work to merge design, craft, sustainability and fashion. These organizations include the likes of Merchant and Mills, Alabama Chanin and a single-mother Cooperative in Guatemala. These natural yet hardy fabrics, paired with classic and cohesive silhouettes form a seasonless wardrobe that improves with age and wear. By also incorporating delicate blocks of embroidery, attention is called to the pursuit of healthy living prompted by the slow and meditative artistry.
CONTACT welwo002@umn.edu
etsy.com/shop/hbwelwood
“She is clothed with strength and dignity…” - Proverbs 31:25
BIO Appearance is a powerful tool at one’s disposal, and Marissa passionately believes that apparel can and should be used to build a strong, healthy self image. Knowing looks go deeper than the surface, she dreams of empowering others by encouraging confidence for praiseworthy qualities both inside and out. Marissa’s inspiration is fueled by architecture, song lyrics, and the diverse people she encounters. Her designs combine clean-cut sophistication and glamorous detailing with a hint of edginess. Passionate about the history and the future of clothing, she is fascinated by the idea that a person can communicate who they are and what they believe in by tailoring their appearance. Marissa is excited to help tell her generation’s story through apparel design.
collection Cityscape is an escapade into the landmarks that make Minneapolis memorable and carry personal significance for the designer, including the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theater, the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, 301 on Main’s Late Night Swing, and the Wells Fargo Tower. As a Minnesota native, Marissa carries a collage of memories with each piece. Whether it’s the golden glimmer of the Wells Fargo Tower at night, the texture of the Stone Arch Bridge, or the allure of the Guthrie’s yellow windows, the details of Cityscape will evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia in both visitors and Minnesota natives. Cityscape is bound to bring even the most restless hearts home. Spoonbridge Textile Art Courtesy of Nicole Devine.
CONTACT lynch445@umn.edu
Mslynch.carbonmade.com
BIO Catherine Menzel is a burgeoning fashion designer who has a fresh perspective on the direction and possibilities of fashion. Her work focuses on detailed illustrations and special construction techniques that elevate the quality of garments. She has interned with two local design companies, WSI Sports and Väva! Veve!, strengthening both her technical and creative design skills. Additionally, she has also shown work in various local fashion design projects and competitions for causes such as ecological sustainability and living a healthy lifestyle. Her professional experiences have instilled in her the diligence and desire to continually learn and be inspired.
collection The collection, Vitamin-C, explores the ordinary orange, peeled to expose its bountiful qualities in an offbeat manner. Catherine is inspired by the the many dynamic features of the orange, specifically its variances in color, layers, inner and outer shapes, health benefits, and even the psychological influence of its colors. With a belief that ready-to-wear should be both good for you and good for the earth, this collection’s underlying focus on healthiness extends deeper to include material sourcing of recycled and organic textiles.
CONTACT menzelcw@gmail.com
catherine-menzel.squarespace.com
BIO Heidi Woelfle is a Minneapolis-based designer who specializes in structured, tailored women’s ready-to-wear apparel. Her signature look embraces clean silhouettes paired with playful colors, patterns, and textures. Vintage details meet modern shapes for comfortable, functional designs that compliment the ever-changing lifestyles of today’s women. Heidi has been part of the Minneapolis design scene for the last four years and has shown her work in more than seven local fashion shows. She has also enhanced her technical design skills through an internship at NASA where she did patternmaking, grading, and garment construction for sensor garments.
collection Dynamism is inspired by the shapes, forms, and colors found in Italian Futurist artwork. Angular silhouettes and hard lines are combined with bold textures to make each piece versatile and timeless.
CONTACT hello@heidiwoelfle.com
heidiwoelfle.com
BIO Regena is originally from Essex, London, has lived in Manila, Philippines, and now calls both Wisconsin and Minneapolis home. Living internationally gave Regena the opportunity to explore different cultures and art forms at a young age. Inspired by classic silhouettes and strong surface design, she strives to design classic, eye-catching garments by adding unique design features to enhance each piece. When designing, Regena challenges herself by experimenting with intricate patternmaking—an area of design she hopes to pursue in her future career. Regena has interned for designers such as Minneapolis bridal designer Tara La Tour, and Marchesa in New York. This is where she first developed her interest in patternmaking. She also took the opportunity to study at the world-renowned fashion school, Central Saint Martins in London, where she deepened her skills in the design and development process. Regena is excited to discover her place in the fashion industry after graduation.
collection Margin draws inspiration from blank, white, modern architecture with a focus on the continuation of line to connect spaces. The collection features 5 looks of tailored separates, each exhibiting minimalist and classic moods with a twist of modern, city fashion. Regena incorporates lines through interesting seaming and the use of a deep contrasting color to accentuate harsh lines. The juxtaposition of bright whites and light grays with the deep magenta yearns for attention. Margin is a collection for the young, vibrant, and modern city girl who seeks to dress effortlessly, but chic.
CONTACT regenayu@gmail.com
regenayu.com
BIO Tabitha is inspired by the world around her and by connections among people. She has a strong awareness and connection to her physical being as both an athlete and a designer. Designing clothing to make people feel like the best version of themselves, she believes comfort is the most important quality in a garment but that it means something different for everyone. Tabitha interned at Under Armour working with technical design and at Gucci with marketing. Exploring technical design was an opportunity for Tabitha to dig into the anatomy of clothing and marketing let her explore how individuals connect with a brand identity. Originally from California, Tabitha hopes to move to New York City after graduation to pursue her fashion career.
collection Tabitha’s line of lounge lingerie was developed for women who want not only their inner beauty to shine, but their outer beauty as well. Having found that it is important for women to feel comfortable with the people they love, she aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia for places of comfort and relaxation through her designs. By creating unique silhouettes that fit each individual’s comfort level, she hopes you will be inspired to lounge with your loved one.
CONTACT tabitha@andelin.com
tabitha-andelin.squarespace.com
BIO A natural introvert, Robert uses design to express his true feelings and define his own path. He believes playing and having fun are integral to being a good designer. He believes playing and having fun are what makes a good designer, and that not being afraid to be ugly makes a person beautiful. His proudest accomplishment is an undergraduate research project entitled Gay Men and Clothing, which studied gay male’s perspectives on the current male clothing market, finding that they desire more unique and creatively designed clothing. Over the summer, Robbie interned in the runway design department at BCBG Max Azria in Los Angeles, California, where he assisted with the design development of the Spring 2016 collection.
“I stand at this early hour / Looking at the breaking dawn / Yet the night lingers still // Darkness at the back of my mind / I move forward / Hoping for day to come / And the night to not return” - Personal Reflection
collection The Night Chasing The Dawn is a non-traditional menswear collection that uses billowy sheers, a rich color palette and a mixture of Japanese and military styles to create a vibrant and meaningful collection. The primary inspiration for this collection came from the designer’s visceral reaction to the music he listens to. Songs include: 90’s music by Kimbra, Riot by Wiweck, One More Hit by Alison Wonderland, Matter by Overwerk and Bloom by Odesza.
CONTACT petty064@umn.edu
behance.net/FinnK
BIO Authenticity is the hallmark of Grace’s designs. She celebrates the complex modern woman by clothing her in minimalist forms, allowing her inherent beauty to shine. Grace’s creativity is largely influenced by both her culturally diverse background and the juxtaposition of growing up in a small Missouri town, while feeling drawn to the energy and eclecticism of big cities. Interning at Donna Karan International in New York City, Grace collaborated in the creative process, developed an appreciation for quality fabrics, and worked behind the scenes at the company’s Fashion Week show. As an independent contractor at Anywhere Apparel in Minneapolis, she helped launch a collection of culturally influenced, functional travel garments. While at the U of M, she has been awarded multiple design recognitions and scholarships. Her commitment to lifting up women continues as officer of the campus group “She’s the First,” which raises funds and awareness for girls’ education in third world countries.
collection MANTRA evokes the Zen qualities of quiet strength and tranquility, drawing inspiration from the components of Japanese Zen Gardens, specifically sand raking and stacking stones. These elements are explored through rich, textured fabrics and carefully considered embellishments. A color palette of stark whites, ivories, and crèmes transport the viewer to a place of purity. Asian influenced silhouettes fit comfortably on the body and allow the wearer freedom to express unique styling choices. MANTRA rejects the trend of over designing, and appeals to the fashion forward woman who understands that only through deliberate simplicity and ease of movement is she able to celebrate her originality. l
CONTACT chen2892@umn.edu
gchendesigns.allyou.net
BIO Originally from China, Xixi Xu is a fashion designer with a passion for pop culture, luxury goods, and classical arts. Xixi’s work is a reflection of her international experiences, having travelled widely from a young age. She studied abroad at London College of Fashion for a semester and is attracted to classic British culture and style. This past summer in Shanghai, Xixi interned with a film production company and learned about celebrity fashion. She would like to design for celebrities, knowing their fashion and styling choices are chosen to both catch attention and form their reputation.
collection HANAFUBUKI (“花吹雪”), a red carpet collection for celebrities, was inspired by Xixi’s trip to Japan early this year. In Japanese, the term “Hanafubuki” means Cherry Blossom Blizzard. (“Hana” means flower, while “Fubuki” means snow storm.) This collection of silk dresses in hues of cream and blush is inspired by the Hanafubuki scene of wind blowing the falling flowers like it’s snowing cherry blossom petals. The silhouettes are modest yet adorable, highlighting the ultra-feminine and elegant style that Hanafubuki represents.
CONTACT xixixudesign@gmail.com
BIO Shengjie Li is originally from China. She came to America to pursue her career as a fashion designer. Experiencing both of these cultures gives her a unique perspective and inspires her to incorporate elements from multiple cultures into her designs. Shengjie is drawn to interesting fabric textures and unique prints, especially organic patterns of clouds, flowers, and birds. Each of her garments is carefully cut and sewn to ensure the highest construction quality. She wants to tell a story with her eye-catching and innovative creations. After graduation, she would like to open her own Etsy shop and pursue a master’s degree in Human Factors and Ergonomics.
collection Jinxiu (jin-sue) is an Asian Fusion bridal-wear collection, containing 4 looks inspired by Western and Eastern wedding trends. In Chinese, Jinxiu means “as beautiful as brocade”, a phrase meant to convey best wishes of a joyful marriage. The encounter between these two cultures is represented through the use of ornate embroideries and the traditional Chinese wedding colors of lush reds and golds, combined with the modern and romantic silhouettes of today’s Western wedding fashion.
CONTACT lishengjie2102@hotmail.com shengjieliportfolio.weebly.com
BIO Elizabeth is driven by an attention to detail and a passion for ingenuity which breathes life into her designs. A storyteller at heart, she designs for a customer who places value not only on a piece, but within the story of its origin. Elizabeth prefers large scale work that requires countless hours of work, intimate attention and results in pieces of heirloom quality. One such design is Taiga, for which she was awarded an Honorable Mention at the Weisman Art Museum’s Siberia: Imagined and Reimagined fashion show in Spring of 2014. This past summer, Elizabeth had the privilege to intern with bridal designer, Tara LaTour. She currently works at David’s Bridal and the Goldstein Museum of Design. In addition she leads the alto saxophone section of the University’s marching band. After graduation, Elizabeth hopes to find a position within the bridal industry, whether it be planning events or designing gowns.
collection The inspiration for Elizabeth’s collection, Fairest Blood, is rooted in her deep love of storytelling. A trip through Europe over the summer inspired her to write a collection of fairy tales that have become the basis for her designs. Each story embraces an idea of archaic darkness entwined with a bitter loveliness. The heroines of these stories are not, in fact, heros. They were dealt a fate to which they reacted in their purest, most humanistic self. Elizabeth’s collection illustrates and interprets these stories in a fantastical, surreal way to show that even in the ugliest places, beauty can still be found.
CONTACT bisch086@umn.edu elizabischoff.com
BIO Lee has always had a passion for the arts, focused mainly on drawing and painting. The discovery of fashion illustration is what led him into the world of fashion. Considering himself more of an artist than a designer, he always has the goal to create something beautiful. This passion led Lee to study abroad in London at the highly distinguished Central Saint Martins. Lee also had the honor of interning with J. Mendel in New York for their Ready-to-Wear department as a patternmaking intern. Here he was able to refine his patternmaking skills and gain indispensable knowledge of the high fashion industry. Having fallen in the love with New York and the fashion industry there, Lee plans on moving to New York to pursue his career in high fashion as either a designer or patternmaker. He plans to produce his own line of clothes, so make sure to keep an eye out for him.
collection Vivid is inspired by art and the techniques that go into its creation. Lee takes inspiration from brushstrokes, the gradation of colors from watercolors, and the deformed, organic lines used in drawings to create textures and shapes in his collection. He combines his inspiration with the love of working with his hands to develop custom fabric and embellishments. In Vivid, textures are created by meticulous hand pleating of the fabric, free hand embroidery appliques, hand dyed fabrics, and voluptuous layers of chiffon and organza. Lee has never been one to blend in with the crowd, and his line reflects that boldness.
CONTACT tran671@umn.edu LuvLeeTran.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER trevor beaty
interior graphic designer brittany ottum & stephen kaiser
lookbook photography stephanie hynes
lookbook hair & make-up hannah woelfle, mary Erickson, megan smith & nino altobelli
designer portraits lee tran
runway photography rod hasse photography
day-of hair and make-up rocco altobelli
videography kaya bowman
dj dj anthem heart
stage management & direction dustin dorris
talent training/choreography dustin dorris
staging dreyling
sound & lighting event sound & lighting
printing allegra printing
Kathryn Sieve | Winsome Goods
Mentor to Aly Gates
gina moorhead | house of gina marie
Mentor to Sarah Forsythe
alice olson the good bead
Mentor to Mia Kuroki
Laine Weinberg kokoon
Mentor to Holly Welwood
Cullen meehan | target
Mentor to Marissa Lynch
Carina Jacobsson christopher & banks
Mentor to Catherine Menzel
Amanda Matrejek | bioworld merchandising
Mentor to Heidi Woelfle
elyse walsh target
Mentor to Regena Yu
emma holcomb MAI
Mentor to Tabitha Andelin
Tawnya Artisst | target
Mentor to Robert Pettys-Baker
Lindsay Carrier target
Mentor to Grace Chen
Emily Trevor | target
Mentor to Xixi Xu
Jess Rodysill mien kielo
Mentor to Shengjie Li
Tara latour tara latour
Mentor to Elizabeth Bischoff
Lizzie Hillmann-Butch am retail group
Mentor to Lee Tran
The Class of 2016 would like to thank the College of Design faculty and staff for their guidance over the years, our mentors for their expertise and direction, the show’s sponsors for their financial support, and our friends and family for their unconditional love and support throughout the years.
