Designers

Sarah E. Andersen | Celina, Tennessee

Sisyphean Ideals of Womanhood is a collection that explores the strength of American women and the systems that attempt to define, contain, and judge them. Inspired by historical power dressing, feminist theory, and the fashion industry’s constructed ideals, the work confronts the policing of women’s bodies. Through American-grown cotton and heritage garment techniques, each look exposes tension between authority and vulnerability, modesty and desire. The final look contrasts the real woman with the dress form and exaggerated silhouette society demands, revealing the impossibility of meeting such standards. The collection reframes empowerment as visibility, resistance, and refusal.

Morgan Blanton | Tampa, Florida

A Garden of Her Own is about women’s ability to grow regardless of the soil we are planted in, our American roots. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow, and that is all we do as humans. There is one quote in particular that resonated with me the most when producing this collection, and that is “may the flowers remind us of why the rain was so necessary” by Xan Oku. To me, this is what ties fashion and women’s history together.

This collection isn’t about forgetting our past; it's about acknowledging it and noticing how we used it to create “flowers”. It’s in unity with what Amelia Bloomer did as well, and why her portion of history stood out to me the most. Amelia saw that women were being restricted and silenced and chose to transform this moment into something beneficial and beautiful by starting a movement with bloomers. Flowers grow back even after they’re stepped on, and so will we.

Lily Brenner | Portland, Oregon

Peace and Distress is a military-inspired collection that unveils the post-war realities faced by U.S. veterans. Using senseless conflict as an instrument of national policy results in PTSD, physical injury, and limited government support for those who fought. Veterans and victims of war deserve justice and remembrance, not repetition. These beliefs are materialized through torn fabrics, weathered textures, and muted military tones. Inspired by my dad’s service, Peace and Distress blends protest, unity, and structure to question the realities of war and challenge the gap between justice and the systems meant to protect it.  

Keely Enriquez | Nashville, Tennessee   

Vida Unida is about identity; it celebrates diversity and storytelling by highlighting who I relate to and others who are children of immigrant parents. A purpose to have more pride in one’s multi-identity. Inspired by Guatemalan culture, such as their traditional hand-woven clothing and the flag itself, combines my interest in modern American elegance. I want to showcase Vida Unida, its message in the form of a dress, skirt, and a pant suit with multiple colors and structural fabrics. Vida Unida depicts the hardships immigrants have faced, yet it also shows a light by sharing their culture with others and fostering connections. 

Hugh Francis Farnum  | Glen Ellyn, Illinois

American Etiquette is a collection inspired by my lifelong admiration for the quiet strength of America’s First Ladies. Their poise, sacrifice, and dignified femininity under pressure led me to explore the balance between structure and vulnerability in my designs. I was drawn to their tradition of modest garments that communicate authority, refinement, and restraint while still celebrating womanhood. Through tailored silhouettes, softened proportions, and classic American fibers like wool and cotton, I translate their legacy into a timeless Americana palette that reflects discipline, elegance, and feminine grace. Through this work, I honor the women who shaped our national image while expressing my own vision of tradition, resilience, and empowered femininity.

Carolina Garcia | Shelbyville, Tennessee

Raíces Vivas is inspired by my personal interpretation of American heritage, from the point of view as a Mexican American designer. This collection explores the balance between honoring my Mexican cultural roots and expressing individuality, blending my aesthetic with traditional Mexican fashion techniques. Through craftsmanship, texture, and silhouette, the designs reflect the resilience, creativity, and history passed down through generations. This collection also serves as a tribute to my parents, whose sacrifices made it possible for me to pursue fashion. Raíces Vivas honors my Mexican heritage while reimagining it within a contemporary American context through culture, craftsmanship, and personal narrative.

Simon Hamrick | Charleston, South Carolina

Indigotown is the story of growing up as a young artist in Charleston, my home, written with the textile that built both my town and this country. Denim started as a workwear textile, but it has grown into so much more than that, clothing runway models, blue collar works, children, and every other type of person you could think of around the globe. Using a variety of denim textures, techniques, and colors, I want to make my childhood and teen memories into something both beautiful and lasting: a triptych of my experience growing up in my hometown by the sea.   

Caroline Hardy | Powder Springs, Georgia

Riveted is a workwear collection that takes a modern twist on historical workwear. Taking inspiration from denim blue jeans and women’s workwear during World War II. Denim blue jeans started off as a common workwear garment and now have become a piece of fashion that is worn by everyone. Denim blue jeans bring unity. As a rivet brings unity to the corners of your jeans. Riveted uses the classic denim fabric and workwear silhouettes to communicate unity. It is opening our eyes to find the small things that are bringing us together. 

Kelly Ann Ozier | Franklin, Tennessee

Trapped in White is about celebrating who you are and wanting self-expression. I want to show that self-expression and how it is important to be true to yourself. It is important to want to stand out and wear what you want to wear. Wearing what you want is great for mental health and self-confidence. I want this collection to mean something to someone and give confidence to the wearer. I think that the clothes you wear can be impactful to the wearer. This collection is meant to give someone self-confidence. 

Kelina Vu | Memphis, Tennessee

She Wears Elegance reimagines everyday elegance by blending American colonial heritage with French Rococo femininity. With each look centered on lace, the collection draws inspiration from 1700s Ipswich women, who crafted lace as both livelihood and quiet resistance. Using natural fabrics like linen and cotton, the designs feature soft, flowing silhouettes with gathered details, florals, and delicate trims. A palette of beige, pastels, and soft blues enhances its romantic, airy feel. Through textures and techniques like gathers and pintucks, the collection evokes both past and present. Designed for independent, feminine women, it celebrates lace as a symbol of softness, strength, and cultural connection.