Students will take attendees through a mental health journey during this year’s Northwood University Fashion Showcase, April 11, 2025, in Midland, Michigan.
“The theme of this year’s show, The Fabric of Me, promotes the idea that although you may struggle with mental health, you are connected through others in the clothes that we wear, and that clothing can represent how we feel,” explained Trinity Burtch, a student form St. Charles, Michigan, who is chairing this year’s show. “This show is extra special to us not only because of its compelling theme but because it is the 25th anniversary of the Northwood University Fashion Showcase.”
Burtch explained this year’s show wants to convey that it is OK to have mental health issues and that there is a light on the other side (and that fashion can help us navigate tough times).
“The segments for this year’s show are Veil of Silence, Fractured Reflections, Emergence, Unity of Self and Connection,” Burtch noted. “These will help guide the audience through a unique mental health journey while casting a spotlight on the importance of mental health.”
In addition, the upcoming Northwood University Fashion Showcase will feature pop-up shops by local businesses for attendees to peruse.
The Northwood University Fashion Showcase (NUFS) is an entirely student-led signature event that is supported by alumni and sponsors. It gives students hands-on experience in various fashion and production roles. The following students also are involved in this year’s show (all are from Michigan unless stated otherwise):
- Steven Hackbarth of Midland, Marketing Team Director
- Piper Barnhart of Woodhaven, Finance Team Director
- Mia Thomson of Dearborn, Stylist Team Director
- Addyson Cox of Mansfield, Ohio, Student Design Team Director
- Riley Hayer of Clare, Productions Team Director
- Nora Hanley of Gaylord, Assistant to Chair
- Carson Guttovz of Brighton, University Relations Chair
- Maggie Nelson of Midland, Content Creator
- Emma Ladd of Hillsdale, Content Creator
- Melissa Enciso of Taylor, Fundraising Coordinator
- Hailey Bates of Hillsdale, Fundraising Coordinator
- Alex Carlson of Petosky, Sales Manager
- Shianne Briggs of Gains, Model Coordinator
- Avery Huston of Lewiston, Student Stylist
- Heidi Merillat of Sanford, Student Stylist & Student Designer
- Micayla McGee of New Baltimore, Student Stylist
- Rachel Nugent of Macomb, Student Stylist & Student Designer
- Andrew Vogel of Bad Axe, Student Stylist
- Annaliese Lemanowicz of New Boston, Student Design Assistant
- Laney Jakeway of Harbor Springs, Student Designer
- Jaleigh Beckert of Columbus, Ohio, Student Designer
- Aleah Thornberg of Marysville, Ohio, Productions Assistant
- Arianna Vallecoccia of Fraser, Logistics Lead
- Regan Fales of Allegan, Décor & Design Lead
“The students have been working hard all year to immerse the audience into a memorable mental health journey,” stated Dr. Scott Warner, NUFS faculty advisor and Merchandising & Marketing program lead.
For more event details, and to purchase tickets, visit nufs.northwood.edu.
