For the past eleven years, the Apparel Merchandise and Design Association has showcased students’ hard work, creativity, and talent to campus through the annual AMDA Fashion Show.

On Friday, April 6, a new round of student designers brought their work to the stage, yet this year, the evening also celebrated a beloved professor, Tricia Widner Johnson, who passed away last summer.

According to Katrina Jakobsze, design director, designer, and senior family and consumer sciences major, they went to several stores in order to put together gift baskets for a silent auction that would allow for a scholarship in Widner Johnson’s name.

“For our silent auction, we went to over 300 stores to collect different donations. All the money was towards a scholarship fund that is in the name of [Tricia Widner Johnson]. She was a really big part of the show. She helped with everything,” Jakobsze said.

According to Elisabeth Reed, instructional assistant professor for FCS, the fashion show reminds the faculty of what a talented group of students they have, and Widner Johnson heavily influenced many of them.

Melissa Mamroth / Daily Vidette Senior Staff: Ashley Brehmer, freshman broadcast journalism major, shows off the creative talents of the students within the Apparel Merchandisingˆ and Design Association at Illinois State during the 11th annual AMDA Fashion Show, “Framed,” on Friday evening in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.

“We as a faculty are always so proud of the success of the fashion show and seeing the hard work and commitment our students put in to creating such a professional event,” Reed said. “Of course, this show would never have been the success that it is today without one very special person, and we know that person is Tricia Widner Johnson.” 

The silent auction, which took place from 5:30 p.m. until the show began at 7 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center, brought the crowd in early to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, find a spot to reserve seats, mingle with others or even take a photo with a group of friends.

As the lights began to dim, AMDA welcomed the crowd and shortly after, the show began. This year, the theme of the show was “Framed.” According to Jakobsze, the designers chose a photograph or piece of artwork to inspire their collection.

According to Patty Young, textile designer and judge for the show, the theme allowed for the designers to really show their talents.

Melissa Mamroth / Daily Vidette Senior Staff: Sarah Grisko, senior physical education major, struts an original design at the AMDA Fashion Show. A silent auction beforehand raised funds for a scholarship dedicated to professor Tricia Widner Johnson.“I think the best part was seeing how they took an inspiration from an actual real work of art and then turned it into a full collection of garments, which spanned in styles from swimsuits, coats, pantsuits, everything,” Young said. 

For Jakobsze, being involved in the fashion show has been a commitment every year, allowing her to not only grow and learn, but also have fun while doing it.

In addition to being one of the designers this year, Jakobsze also acted as design director, collecting sketches from the designers, overseeing hair and makeup decisions, running a photo shoot, handling back stage operation, and creating a judging form. Although she has been busy, for Jakobsze, it was worth the time and effort.

“I’m very excited, especially because I’ve been involved in the show so long that I think by this year, this is my best collection yet,” Jakobsze said.

The night featured a wide range of collections from 20 different student designers, and all the looks were donned by student models as well.

As the night came to a close, the winners were announced, but it was clear for those who attended that all students involved made the show a success.