BOONE, N.C.—The Department of Applied Design’s apparel design and merchandising program at Appalachian State University will present “Showcase 2017” at 4 p.m. April 23 in Holmes Convocation on the university’s campus.

“Showcase,” an annual runway-style fashion show featuring apparel collections designed by Appalachian’s students and faculty, is open to the public. Tickets are $12 for students, $20 for the general public and $50 for VIP seating, which is next to the runway. Tickets can be purchased at the Holmes Center box office or via http://theholmescenter.appstate.edu.

Dr. Anthony Wilson, assistant professor, teaches the Apparel Design Studio IV course in which seniors design apparel collections for the main portion of the runway show. He views the event as an annual celebration of diverse student work and as a way of demonstrating students’ skills in the development, design, production and presentation of a cohesive apparel collection.

“I am so proud of our students and the amount of hard work they put into bringing their creative visions to life,” Wilson said. “I expect this year’s showcase to be one of the best we’ve ever had.”

For students in the program, the showcase is a culmination of their years of thought, preparation and development while at Appalachian.

Senior Blakeley Rogers of Alpharetta, Georgia, will present her collection, which she created from fabric purchased in Ghana. Rogers is also involved with event promotion, coordinating the showcase’s social media presence.

“I’m really excited for the showcase because I feel like everyone in apparel production has been working extremely hard on their collections,” she said. “We’ve all been supporting each other through this process and bonding over the ups and downs that we’ve dealt with. The positive collaborative environment allows us to create and work at our full potential.”

The apparel design and merchandising program encompasses the design, merchandising and marketing of apparel and textile products, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the global apparel/textile complex. While enrolled in the program, students acquire the skills necessary for the process of apparel product development from concept to consumer, including design, production, distribution, marketing and merchandising.

To learn more about “Showcase 2017,” visit http://facebook.com/admshowcase2017.

About the Department of Applied Design

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment and Theatre and Dance.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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