ISU Fashion Show adapts to new 1980s theme

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Courtesy of the Fashion Show

The Fashion Show has changed the t-shirt design for the 2017 show.

Abby Patterson

Big changes are coming for this year’s Fashion Show, including choosing a geometric theme, “Altered Aspects,” for the show and changing the Fashion Show’s T-shirt logo for the first time in the Fashion Show’s existence.

Inspiration for the new T-shirt logo came from wanting a little change.

“We really wanted to mix things up and incorporate a new design that would be interesting and different from what people already have,” said Maggie Anderson, senior in apparel, merchandising and design and one of the outreach producers for the Fashion Show. “In recent years, we have always just had our traditional logo T-shirts that everyone has in one color or another; we are hoping that the new logo will entice people to buy the shirt because it is different from what they already have.”

The Fashion Show’s theme, “Altered Aspects,” it takes on a neon, black-light, 1980’s feel, while incorporating geometric inspiration of all shapes and sizes. A geometric-themed show hasn’t been done since 2011. With the geometric aspects involved, the Fashion Show will be able to literally think more outside of the box.

“In the past years, we’ve been a little bit muted,” Anderson said. “We really like the geometric shapes and we wanted something that would complement the garments, but not overpower them.”

Another change the Fashion Show implemented into this year’s production is changing gift bags to gift boxes. Similar to Birchbox, this simple change adds an aesthetic touch to the gifts while saving big bucks in the process. The inspiration for this altered aspect came from Sarah Knabel, junior in public relations, during her interview for the PR and marketing co-director and essentially won her the position.

“[It’s] more of a present,” said Selina Hilts, junior in apparel, merchandising and design and one of the PR and marketing co-directors. “You open [the box] and everything is laid out and looks pretty. It’s a little bit more fun to open up a box than a bag.”

The PR and marketing directors are currently in contact with different brands to provide little gifts and samples for the gift box.

While FundISU is currently running strong with already more than $4,500 donated, Leah Beman, sophomore in elementary education, and Nicole Bell, senior in apparel, merchandising and design, are both fundraising co-directors for the Fashion Show and are working on connecting with businesses to promote the Fashion Show.

“A lot of small businesses will donate monetary-value items or donate different things to promote their business,” Bell said. “We usually have a salon come in and donate their time to do the hair and makeup for the Fashion Show, and we are working on connecting with the news, like KCCI, to get the word out for the Fashion Show.”

For more information on the Fashion Show or how to donate, visit https://fundisu.foundation.iastate.edu/project/3971.


The Fashion show met all its funding needs for the year. Read more here.