Mount Mary Students ‘Ignite’ Creativity on CREO Runway

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Photo Credit: Rachel Buth

On May 8, Mount Mary University’s Fashion Design program presented the exciting runway show, “Ignite,” as part of the university’s annual CREO event celebrating work by students from the School of Arts & Design. Staged in the Harley-Davidson Museum’s Garage with a solid lighting plot by Aaron Zimmerman of PROline Entertainment and pop-leaning music by Jai Cherney of Jai Bird Productions “Ignite’s” production values set it up to be a grand spectacle.

The impressive audio-visuals proved a solid foundation for a show featuring everything from bridal and formal wear to children’s fashions and clothing designed to spark socio-political dialogue. The diverse designs on display served as fitting testament to the students’ professionalism and creativity. Part of this year’s program also reflected their involvement with Milwaukee Art Museum’s “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair.”

Memorable ensembles included: Elyse Walton’s Elyseia Noir, inspired by the architecture of Frank Gehry; Jaz Sneed’s Black Cherry, an attractive dress comprised of up-cycled bandanas; Pa Chang Her’s children’s line, Sweet Coco, inspired by Rococo and Baroque patterning; Samantha Snedecker’s adorable Cape Mod, inspired by the music and times of Simon and Garfunkel; Pa Kou Vang’s Dove, a stunning bridal gown with collar detailing evoking the namesake bird’s wings; and, most stirring of all, Emily Ristow’s Trade-Off, a series featuring fitted black bodices overlaid with explosive red tulle—these works served as poetic reminders of the murders at Charlie Hebro in January and the ongoing issue of free speech.

CREO also features and Arts & Design Honors show each year, and both this and the runway are events not to be missed by anyone curious about Milwaukee’s rising stars in the world of art and design.