2022 was the first time that I ever attended the annual Runway fashion show at Buffalo State University. The show was essentially spun off from Mass Appeal, which was once held at The Lafayette Church on Elmwood Avenue. It was event organizer Erin Habes who brought the show to Buffalo State, when she took up a position as lecturer and Runway director. Since that time, Runway has taken on a life of its own, and has become a real showstopper that showcases much of the remarkable young fashion talent that this city has to offer. This year’s show will highlight the collections of 11 senior designers.
Runway is the culmination of students’ work from the University’s Fashion and Textile Technology department (FTT). These students are not only dedicated to their craft, they are also dedicated to social and worldly issues ranging from the environment to racial justice.
In 2023, the students researched local organizations that aligned with the issues that represented their own values, as well as those of the department. They chose non-profits Grassroots Gardens of Western New York, Confidential Girl Mentorship Program, and FeedBuffalo as partners and recipients of all proceeds from their Thrift 2 Fight pop-up shop at this year’s show, “Provoking Protopias.”
Students work behind the scenes on marketing, creative direction, logistics, and stylistic choices, including accessories, music, and ambiance to go with the pieces.
“While we know a utopian world isn’t going to be attainable, we can embrace protopia,” said Habes, whose FTT students also collaborate with students in other departments, including Africana studies, theater, dance, fiber arts, and photography.
“The focus is on provoking and promoting progress, not perfection. This means disrupting societal norms, pushing for a more sustainable fashion industry, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Activism is woven throughout the Runway conversation. It’s not just flashy fashion. It’s using fashion as a form of activism to bring about change.”
This year’s Runway show is orchestrated in two parts, one of which is open to the public:
- The 2:00 p.m. show will serve as a recruitment event for potential students who have expressed an interest in studying fashion, art, design, theater, etc.
- The evening show (8pm) is open to the public
“We’re making it like Project Runway with judges on the stage and a panel discussion before the show begins,” she explained. “We’re also offering a Student Choice Award, where the students can pick their favorite designer. It should be a lot of fun.”
16th Annual Runway Show
Saturday, April 22, 2023
8:00 pm
Sports Arena | 267 Rees St #251 | Buffalo, NY 14222 – See campus map
Admission is $20 for the general public and $100 for VIP access, which includes a pre-show party sponsored by Twin Petrels Seltzer Co., reserved seating for the show, and a fabulous swag bag. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., which provides time for shopping at the pop-up shop and posing for photos in a street-style booth set up by presenting media sponsor Buffalo Magazine.
FTT students are holding a drive for gently used clothing through April 22. Garments can be dropped off at the Fashion Department in the Buffalo State Technology Building. Students will set up a pop-up thrift shop before and during the Runway show. All items will be priced between $5 and $10, and proceeds will benefit the partnering organizations.
Buffalo Art Movement (BAM) presents this year’s show; tickets are available on the Runway website.