Although located in a small town, Illinois State University is fortunate enough to have many talented fashion students from all over the state. Every year, the Apparel Merchandising and Design Association (AMDA) presents a fashion show to the community. Students, faculty and even family members come to see what the fashion students have worked on all year. It is completely student-run by a board of student directors. I caught up with multi-talented director of the show, Haley Hoesly, to give my readers a sneak peek of this amazing event. Haley is an apparel merchandising major and will be graduating this May.
Name: Haley Hoesly
Role: Fashion Show Director
CollegeFashionista: This year’s theme for the fashion show is Enchanted: From Dawn to Dusk. Can you explain how this theme came about?
Haley Hoesly: Picking a theme for the show was actually the hardest part! At first, we were very inspired by dreams and then our ideas evolved into a whimsical and mysterious trip into the woods. In order to satisfy all of our inspirations we decided on ”Enchanted: From Dawn to Dusk.” We wanted the show to embody a magical forest and what it might be like to wander through one, showing both the light and the dark of the journey. The theme this year allows the designers a great deal of versatility in their designs, but is also more focused than years past.
CF: What is your favorite part about being a leader in the fashion show?
HH: The show has allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills, delegate tasks and I have made so many great friends along the way. This has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding tasks of my college career. Seeing it all come together in April will be the best part.
CF: Who are the designers in the fashion show and how are they chosen?
HH: Megan Dowling, Jay Ibarra, Taylor Bingham, Ellie Dann, Evie Hansen, Hailee Campbell, Ashlie Antrim and Anitra Carson are all of the talented designers who will be taking part in the 2015 AMDA Fashion Show. Their designs look amazing and I’m so excited for the community to see their work. The designers that take part in the show have the ability and strength to create unique pieces that reflect the theme through their own interpretation. It is volunteer based and open to any major.
CF: Since graduation is approaching, where do you see yourself in the future?
HH: After my internship last summer as a merchandising intern at Lands End, I see myself being a merchandiser/buyer for a large fashion corporation someday. I would also really love to pursue my love for fashion photography whether it is on the side or as a career.
Learn More: “Enchanted: From Dawn to Dusk” is April 16, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom which is located at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center. Prior to the show, guests will be invited to enjoy light appetizers and mocktails at 5:30 p.m. Until then, follow the preparation on Instagram and like them on Facebook.
