Recent NDSU apparel, retail merchandising and design graduate Hanna Kuhn participated in the university's annual spring fashion show for three years in a row to gain valuable hands-on experience running an event.
NDSU’s annual spring fashion show is a time for students to showcase their creativity and hard work.
Hanna Kuhn, who recently graduated with a degree in apparel, retail merchandising and design, has participated in the fashion show for three years. Kuhn held various roles at the event, including working backstage, set design, putting a slideshow together and, most recently, working with local stores and models to create the show order.
“Being behind-the-scenes of the NDSU fashion shows has been an experience I would not trade for the world. It takes a lot of work and help to put on our show each year, but it always comes together in the end and looks great,” Kuhn said.
Among Kuhn’s favorite things about the fashion show is seeing the end product come together every year.
“I love watching the video we receive after the show, it showcases everyone's hard work and joy,” she said. “Seeing the smiles and listening to the laughs during the day of the show brings me happiness, it means the hard work is done and it is time to have fun.”
This year students in NDSU’s fashion show production course put together the fashion show with help from members of NDSU’s Fashion Apparel and Business Organization. Students in the course worked collaboratively over the course of the semester to ensure the show was flawless.
Students with varying degrees of knowledge about the show collaborated to come up with the most polished finished product. Kuhn said the fashion show course helped her display leadership and organizational skills throughout the semester.
“I have been able to teach others in the course the skills I have learned that it takes to put on a fashion show,” she said. “Being able to work with others and pass down what I have learned over the years is what helps keep the fashion show going every year.”
Kuhn said Sara Sunderlin, NDSU senior lecturer in apparel, retail merchandising and design, also is a huge help in putting the show together.
“Sara Sunderlin is an amazing professor and person. She allows us to have complete control of the show. She continues to have a smile on her face, even when things seem crazy,” Kuhn said. “Having her as someone to look up to has made my last few years a great experience when it comes to the fashion show. No matter how stressful things may get, she is always the first one to tell us to take a breath and remember to have fun.”
In addition to gaining valuable experience, Kuhn said she’s created connections in the Fargo-Moorhead community from her involvement. Kuhn’s career plans are to open her own women’s boutique.
“Being in this program has given me the resources and has allowed me to be prepared to do that after graduation,” she said.
Kuhn said the fashion show production course is the perfect way to gain needed skills for students interested in hands-on practical experience in the fashion and design industry.
“Being a part of this course has not only given me connections in the fashion world but also has given me friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said. “We are only in college for a few years, take the risks and have fun.”
Apply today to create something you’ll be proud of or schedule a tour to see what NDSU has to offer.
