In the middle of a global pandemic, students in Lasell University’s School of Fashion debuted original designs at Boston Fashion Week 2020. 

Members of the Class of 2020 in the University’s Fashion Design and Production program were unable to present their original collections at the institution’s annual spring fashion show, RUNWAY, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, they were given the opportunity to present in front of industry leaders and creative forces as part of Boston Fashion Week’s virtual programming this fall.

“Students and faculty felt that the job was not yet done,” said Assistant Professor Gail Jauregui, of the Class of 2020’s collections. “It speaks to their work ethic,” she said, in how they came together to showcase and celebrate their achievements at Boston Fashion Week. Founder and Executive Director of Boston Fashion Week Jay Calderin signed off on the partnership. 

“The opportunity to see the Class of 2020’s work and to celebrate their perseverance during an incredibly challenging time was moving, to say the least!” said Professor Jill Carey. Associate Professor Kathleen Potter, dean of the School of Fashion, and Professor Lynn Blake, chair of the Fashion Design and Production program, worked alongside Carey to bring the virtual collaboration to life. 

Lasell’s participation at Boston Fashion Week 2020 consisted of three virtual segments:                  

Red Carpet
A live-streamed broadcast (pictured below) to introduce Lasell’s Fashion Week presence, featuring commentary from designer David Josef, fashion producer and model Munjeet Geyer, and Calderin, alongside Lasell faculty members Blake, Carey, Jauregui, Potter, and Kristin Kinsky, assistant professor and Lasell RUNWAY manager. 

Watch Party
The premiere of Lasell University RUNWAY 2020 featured three scenes highlighting Class of 2020 collections:

• Street Smarts, featuring designers Sarah Rudker, Stephanie Amato, Sarah Kelly, Sarah Reese, Allie Doyle, and Sabrina Michaud 
  
  
• Transitional Elegance, featuring designers Kathleen Politica, Amanda Wagreich, Kaitlin Johnson, and Elizabeth Witherell 
  
  
• Teasing the Edge, featuring designers Cass Greeley, My Nguyen, Cass Starling, Hannah Bowerman, and Sam Bettencourt 

After Party
A live, interactive event at which Lasell Class of 2020 designers participated in “Meet the Designer” conversations. Participants wore blue, Lasell’s collegiate color, to celebrate the unifying power of fashion and symbolize inspiration.

“The event really captured what Lasell’s School of Fashion is all about: hard work, creativity, innovation, and coming together as a community!” said Potter.

Though Lasell’s traditional RUNWAY 2020 show was postponed, its comeback as an adaptive digital event that adhered to COVID-19 protocols not only showcased the hard work and creative talents of the Class of 2020, but also gave a glimpse into what the future of fashion may hold.