Runway at UVA Set To Unveil Fresh Designs

February 26, 2025
Very stylized group photo of the students behind UVA's fashion show

Pulling off a fashion show like Runway at UVA’s, set to happen this weekend, takes a lot of coordination. Runway’s executive team makes it happen. (Photo by Mikey Davis)

Grief, resistance and the power of expression are the muses of fashion for Runway at UVA, a vibrant, student-led fashion organization that has become a sanctuary for self-expression.

Founded at the University of Virginia in 2022 by Marquis Rice and Taiwo Adepoju, both from the Class of 2024, Runway at UVA was born out of a desire to create a space where students could design their own clothing.

“I have a really hard time expressing myself in conventional ways, especially here at UVA,” said Lorena Castillo, a fourth-year student from Puerto Rico who is majoring in architecture with a minor in global culture and commerce. “It was a real culture shock being in such a different space.”

As club president, Castillo is steering Runway at UVA into its third annual fashion show, set to take place Saturday at 6 p.m. in Campbell Hall.

Candid of Lorena Castillo talking to another student in the UVA fashion show

Runway is a key part of the college experience of fourth-year student and president Lorena Castillo, left. (Photo by Clara Castle, University Communications)

Each year’s fashion show features a distinct theme. This year’s theme is “Unveiled,” and explores grief, resistance and the power of expression. The theme drew inspiration from the work of Sanda Iliescu, an associate professor of architecture and studio art. In 2010, Iliescu hung veils on the columns of the Rotunda to bring people together in the shared experience of grief following a series of high-profile murders in Charlottesville.

”Unveiled” aims to amplify the voices of those grieving. Through clothing, veils, and lighting, the show illustrates the frustrations of marginalized communities in expressing their mourning.

‘Inside UVA’ A Podcast Hosted by Jim Ryan
‘Inside UVA’ A Podcast Hosted by Jim Ryan

The theme is personal, allowing designers to infuse their pieces with elements of their background and culture and to see a piece of themselves reflected in the final display while encouraging the audience to interpret the diverse stories stitched into each garment.

This year, the group has teamed with Annie Temmink, a local artist and educator from UVA’s Department of Drama. Known for her artwork displayed in the IX Art Park, Temmink’s expertise in costume and clothing design has elevated the club’s creative process, according to Runway’s vice president, Yani Iben, a fourth-year student studying marketing and information technology.

Temmink met weekly with Runway’s designers in UVA Library’s Makerspace in Shannon Library to sketch, refine and bring their clothing ideas to life. Fifteen designers – mostly from non-artistic majors – embraced the challenge.

Close up of showing how the garments are custom fit to the models

Designers tailor their garments to the models for the perfect fit, like this one created by first-year student Jack Drescher. (Photo by Clara Castle, University Communications)

“A lot of our designers haven’t designed clothes before, but we’ve already seen a big improvement,” club member Camila Nunez, said. “It’s really fascinating how much creativity the designers got.”

Nunez, a fourth-year computer science major and one of Runway’s modeling chairs, manages and trains 27 models to perfect their walks and embody the club’s vision. A transfer student who joined Runway two years ago, she now co-leads the team, running regular practices that help students overcome shyness and build runway confidence.

Adding another layer to Runway’s creative process is Livs Sun, a second-year pre-commerce and American studies double major who heads the marketing team. She joined the organization last semester, quickly realizing it provided a break from the confines of her studies.

“I’m not usually in any art spaces because I’m a commerce major, so sometimes I’ve felt confined in my studies,” Sun said. “Having a space where I can experiment and be in a diverse creative community has been really valuable.”

Two sketches of a shirt design, left, Dean Paler modeling the actual shirt, right

Third-year model Dean Paler wears a look created by second-year designer Malanie Myaing for Saturday’s show. (Photo by Clara Castle, University Communications)

Sun oversees Runway’s marketing campaigns that promote the upcoming fashion show and bridge the gap between practical commerce skills and creative exploration.

The organization has garnered support from the UVA community.

“Many people are coming up to us and asking for more events and to increase our fashion presence at UVA,” Nunez said.

Funded through scholarships, grants and fundraising efforts, the organization is thriving as it prepares for Saturday’s sold-out fashion show. Runway’s leaders encourage guests to dress up, too.

Media Contact

Mike Mather

Managing Editor University Communications

Article Information

April 18, 2025

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