Dominican University Joins Chicago Fashion Week

The talents of Dominican University graduates will stand out on the runway during Chicago Fashion Week, a new event putting a spotlight on design, style and innovation across the city and suburbs.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the DU Fashion Department and Office of Alumnae/i Relations will present the Alumni Fashion Show featuring the designs of roughly a dozen graduates who have launched professional collections.

The intimate show will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Social Hall, located inside Lewis Hall on the Dominican University campus at 7900 W. Division St. in River Forest. The garments will be modeled by professional, Chicago-based models.

The Alumni Fashion Show shines a spotlight on Dominican's influential fashion program and the creative work of its graduates.

Dominican is one of only three institutions of higher learning represented during Fashion Week, a 12-day extravaganza of fashion shows, award ceremonies, galas, programming and more, beginning Oct. 9. Nearly 30 events are featured across the greater Chicago area.

"I think it's about time Chicago makes a comeback in fashion," said Melissa Carr, fashion chair at Dominican University. "A lot of our students feel that they have to go to New York City or L.A. to pursue their profession. This, to me, is showing our students there is a viable fashion scene here."

Returning alumnae/i, based in five states, will present roughly 60 original designs during Dominican's fashion show.

"What makes my job so fulfilling is seeing what our alumnae/i are doing," Carr said. "I'm especially happy is seeing our students continue this passion they have, this love for fashion. And we do want them to come back home and show what they are doing."

One of these former students is Adilene L. Villalpando Hernandez '22, who will bring her collection, Villandez, to the runway.

"As a local alumna, being recognized as successfully living out my dream and being invited back has been an honor," Villalpando Hernandez said. "It's giving me a platform to inspire other students who may at times question if they can truly do this career."

Maxine Scott '79, whose Chicago-based collection includes evening gowns, prom wear and wedding dresses, will also return to Dominican for the show.

"I am very excited to feature some of my gowns that are part of my new collection," she said. "It will be a pleasure to connect with some of the alumni and the new fashion design students."

A full list of Chicago Fashion Week events can be found at chicagofashionweek.com/schedule.

About Dominican University

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution offering an associate of arts in liberal arts and sciences as well as bachelor's and master's degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, the Brennan School of Business and the College of Applied Social Sciences. The university also offers doctoral degrees in information studies and applied social justice. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University in the top 20 of Midwest regional master's level universities, #1 in the Midwest for Best Value and #1 in Illinois for best undergraduate teaching and ensuring the social mobility of its graduates. Dominican University is a nationally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and has campuses in River Forest and Chicago's Pilsen community.

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