From elegant gowns to candy wrapper dresses, some talented designers from Iowa State showed their stuff and received a heap of recognition Saturday night.

A crowd of about 200 people was eager to check out new trends and student designs at MacKay Auditorium for the Department of Textiles and Clothing’s 15th annual fashion show.

This year’s program, “Splash of Fashion,” honored the work of 21 student designers. Several models displayed the apparel runway-style, and the top two winners from seven categories, selected by judges from area businesses, were announced following the exhibit.

Students landing a first place award were presented with a certificate of excellence, a gift certificate from a chosen store and an Oscar-esque wooden statuette. Second place winners were awarded with a gift certificate of lesser value.

A merchandising segment kicked off the evening to feature spring collections from 13 clothing stores, including the Gap, Limited Express and Worldly Goods, a non-profit store which aims to help countries experiencing economic difficulty. Eddie Bauer and Gadzooks of West Des Moines claimed first prize for the merchant apparel competition.

The next presentation featured designs by special guest Judy Preefer, an ISU alumna. Preefer, who specializes in suits, cocktail dresses and ballgowns, featured a line of women’s formal wear from her own boutique in West Palm Beach, Fla. She was later honored for her efforts to lecture and hold seminars for ISU design students last week.

The student collections and awards presentation occupied the remainder of the evening. Models for the first category — children’s wear — entertained spectators as they flaunted a variety of unique creations. Winning first prize was senior Tracy Congdon for her coffee-inspired hand-painted dresses. Congdon also won the best of show award for the dresses, which is picked from individual categories.

Other top awards went to sophomore Joi Vredenburgh for women’s work attire and best collection; senior Sarah Mahr for leisure wear and evening wear and senior Adrienne Hart for accessories. Junior Michelle Hall won the popular experimental/novelty category for her two-piece dress made from plastic beads and Rubbermaid material, and Katherine Noyes, also a junior, took the award for best portfolio.

Academic excellence awards were presented to five outstanding seniors, and the show concluded with a long list of thank yous for contributors.

Hart, a senior in apparel merchandising, design and production, said she saw the fashion show as a great opportunity.

“It’s pretty exciting,” she said. “I really like the fashion show because it’s a good chance to show off my work and see everyone else’s.”

Beverly Crabtree, dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, said this year’s group of student designers was one of the best in school history. She also praised those who aided in the success of this year’s program.

“We’re extremely proud of the Department of Textiles and Clothing,” Crabtree said. “I commend the outstanding faculty, students and alumni.”