A Passion for Fashion Students
Learn how one local lady's passion for fashion transformed into a career that helps university students jumpstart their careers.

Laurie Wilson, University of Cincinnati adjunct professor, with DAAP students

Sure, New York City has the Fashion Week, but Cincinnati also has an impressive fashion show that attracts people from all over the world.

For the past 61 years, the University of Cincinnati features top talent in a premier fashion show. For the last 15 years, the show has been directed by Laurie Wilson, an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and career direction coach at Game Plan Strategy Student Coaching.

Wilson's passion for fashion began as she was studying interior design. "I switched early in my Freshman year in college to Fashion Retailing because I knew I needed to spend more of my time with people rather than alone drawing," says Wilson. But reveals that her work in student coaching is "where my heart really lies--helping young people find their passions."

Directing the UC fashion show allows her to work in both areas of expertise. "The fashion show immediately exposes [students] to industry professionals and potential private design clients," Wilson explains, going on to say that a very high percentage of the students obtain jobs in their chosen industry. In the past, participants in the UC fashion show have gone on to work with renowned brands such as Couture, and one student having gone on to become a season 6 finalist on Project Runway and founder of her own line of women's wear. "The appeal comes to me as an artist putting my 'art' on the runway in the form of fashion shows and presentations," says Wilson, "I am putting the 'alpha' design collections of these talented young designers on the runway for the first time and it is an awesome responsibility!"

On Friday, June 8, UC's fashion show, will take place on the lower level of the Campus Recreation center at 7:30 p.m. This year's fashion show is sponsored by Macy's and will be honoring Frederic Holzberger, founder of Frederic's Aveda Institute. Tickets range anywhere from general admission at $40 to Patron seating at $100 and Benefactor seating at $150. While each guest will receive a Macy's gift bag, only guests holding patron and benefactor tickets will be admitted to the pre-show VIP reception at 6:00pm. A complimentary afterparty will also be held following the main show. "It's a place folks want to see and be seen," says Wilson. If you are interested in the show, but think tickets run a little too high for your budget, consider attending the show's working rehearsal at $10 for general admission. Click here to learn more about the fashion show or purchase tickets.

Photography by: Kevin Kraft

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