Building on our commitment to industry connections, Dr. LeHew also accompanied students from our intro to retailing class to Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas this spring. This immersive visit offered students firsthand exposure to one of the world's largest retail operations. We're excited to continue expanding these industry visits, providing our students with real-world perspectives that complement their classroom learning.

After a one-year pause, we were thrilled to bring back our Showcase of Excellence fashion show this April. Led by Dr. Sherry Haar, Fashion Studies students planned and executed this signature event as part of their coursework, creating a wonderful evening that highlighted the exceptional work of our current students and accomplished alumni. The creativity, professionalism, and teamwork displayed throughout the showcase exemplified the quality of our program.

This summer, Dr. Kelsie Doty is teaching an Italian Fashion class in Italy for a month as part of the K-State in Italy program. Students will have the extraordinary opportunity to study fashion in one of the world's most influential fashion capitals, immersing themselves in the rich history, culture, and innovation.

Our annual Farm to Fashion summer camp for middle and high school students returns July 7-10. This popular program introduces young minds to the possibilities within fashion studies, from sustainable textile production to design and merchandising, planting seeds for the next generation of fashion professionals.

Our dedicated faculty members will be busy this summer advancing their scholarship and research activities. This important work contributes to our industry, enriches our curriculum, and keeps our program at the forefront of fashion education.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we remain committed to providing exceptional educational experiences that prepare our students for successful careers in the ever-evolving fashion industry. We deeply appreciate your continued support and engagement with our program.

We'd love to hear your news as well! Please keep in touch and share your professional achievements and personal milestones with us.

Warmly,
Dr. Kim Hiller
Program Chair, Fashion Studies

In April, the Kansas State Fashion Studies program hosted its annual Showcase of Excellence fashion show at the K-State Alumni Center. Held on April 18, the event celebrated student talent, innovation, and dedication by offering a professional platform to present work developed throughout the academic year.

This year’s theme, growth and renewal, reflected the program’s creative momentum and revival following seasons without in-person shows. Planned and executed by 20 students in the FASH450 Showcase of Excellence Event Planning course, the show gave students hands-on experience in event production, design coordination, and professional communication.

The 2025 showcase featured 67 original student designs, along with contributions from middle and high school students, alumni, and wedding gown designers. Beyond serving as a capstone experience, the show provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain exposure and connect with faculty, peers, and industry professionals.

This year’s showcase - featuring work from both the current and past academic years - stood as a testament to the creativity, adaptability, and ambition of K-State fashion students, and to the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence in design education.

Q&A with 2025 Showcase Co-Directors Natalie Peterson and Teya Carlini

1. Can you tell us about the vision behind this year’s Showcase of Excellence? What themes or inspirations shaped the event?

The vision for this year’s Showcase was rooted in a clean, modern aesthetic inspired by nature. Since we had two years' worth of work to showcase, we really wanted the focus to be on the garments and projects that were featured. Bringing in fresh florals in the lobby and the paper florals on the runway represented themes of rebirth and renewal – this new phase we are entering for the Fashion Studies program.

2. How do you think participating in the Showcase of Excellence benefits students in the Fashion Studies program?

The Showcase of Excellence team is a great way for our students to get hands-on experience of the fast pace and high responsibility of what the industry is really like. It offers leadership opportunities, professional development, and a chance to build stronger connections with peers—all while simulating the demands of the fashion industry.

3. Can you give us a glimpse into the planning process - what did the weeks leading up to the event look like?

The weeks were packed with preparation and collaboration. With the Showcase team broken up into sub-teams - Public Relations, Garment, Model, and Front of House - we each had different responsibilities and incredible team leads who were always dedicated, motivated, and on top of their work. Long days were filled with flower-making, fittings, and detailed planning, all underpinned by strong organization and open communication. There were definitely a lot going on and some hiccups along the way, but every team member showed up to class with a great attitude and a sense of dedication that was so amazing to see.

4. What were some of the most memorable or impactful moments from the runway event or digital gallery launch?

Watching everyone’s hard work pay off was incredibly rewarding. Students learned new skills, discovered their strengths, and took ownership of roles. Seeing them grow into those roles and support one another was a highlight.

5. The Showcase of Excellence is a fully student-led and student-produced event. Looking back, how would the team describe the overall experience of organizing and producing this year’s event?

It was both challenging and rewarding—a true rollercoaster of stress, joy, and excitement. From late nights to last-minute changes, the team pushed through obstacles, bonded deeply, and learned how to adapt creatively under pressure. Despite all the chaos, we truly had so much fun getting to spend time together and getting to know each other more closely.

6. What kind of feedback did you receive from attendees, faculty, or fellow students after the event?

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees praised the decorations, event flow, and the quality of garments. Faculty and fellow students were thrilled to see the showcase return after a year off, and the energy in the room was electric.

7. How do you hope the Showcase of Excellence connects with the broader K-State community or the fashion industry beyond campus?

We hope the Showcase inspires students by allowing them to see their work come to life on the runway. It’s also a chance for the Manhattan community to engage with fashion—whether by attending, volunteering, or participating—building stronger ties between K-State and the wider creative industry.

A Critical Gap in Fit and Function

Despite their growing numbers, women firefighters continue to report frustration with the poor fit of their PPE. Traditional turnout gear is frequently just a scaled-down version of male designs—ignoring fundamental anatomical differences in hip width, chest proportions, neck size, and torso length. As a result, women are often left with gear that restricts movement, causes discomfort, and even endangers them on the fireground.

Studies have shown that female firefighters are forced to "make it work" by employing ad hoc solutions—using belts, suspenders, or frequent manual adjustments to secure their gear. Yet, many of these modifications violate national safety standards. Worse, they don’t solve the core issue: the gear was never designed for them in the first place. Poorly fitting PPE can cause fatigue, hinder mobility, and increase the risk of injury during emergency operations.

Designing with Women in Mind

To address this longstanding oversight, Dr. Wu’s research team applied the Engineering Design Process (EDP)—a systematic, iterative method of problem-solving—to develop female-specific turnout gear prototypes. These new designs are not simply smaller versions of men’s gear, but reimagined garments based on the unique proportions and ergonomic needs of female firefighters.

The proposed turnout coat features bust pleats, a tapered waist, a flared hip, and repositioned pockets for easier access and greater comfort. Sleeve lengths are shortened, and chest dimensions are expanded to ensure ease of movement. The redesigned pants offer a higher waistline, proportionate hip widths, and raised crotch and knee placements for better mobility and coverage.

These thoughtful changes are based not only on anthropometric data but also on interviews and feedback from women in the field. The result is PPE that protects more effectively, feels more comfortable, and supports peak performance.

Redefining Industry Standards

Dr. Wu’s work has significant implications for both the fire service and the fashion industry. For fire departments, adopting better-fitting gear sends a powerful message: every firefighter deserves equipment that keeps them safe and supports their work. Departments with inclusive gear policies stand to benefit from improved morale, retention, and performance.

For the fashion and technical apparel sectors, this project serves as a bold reminder that "unisex" design is often insufficient. As function and fashion continue to intersect, especially in performance wear and PPE, inclusivity in design becomes not just a social responsibility, but a practical necessity.

Dr. Wu’s research is more than an academic project—it’s a call to action for safer, smarter, and more equitable design. Her innovations in female-specific firefighting gear highlight how thoughtful, data-driven design can create real-world impact, honoring the women who serve our communities and setting a new standard for protective apparel.

If interested in learning more, please email Dr. Yingying Wu, Associate Professor.

Throughout the four-day experience, campers immerse themselves in the world of fashion through workshops in natural dyeing, textile creation, fashion illustration, and sewing. They spin yarn, weave small textiles, and create their own mini fashion collections using sustainable practices. Working closely with K-State faculty and current Fashion Studies students in the program’s professional studios and labs, campers gain first-hand experience with the tools and techniques of the industry. One of the highlights of the camp is a visit to the program’s natural dye garden at Sunset Zoo, where students explore the deep connections between fashion, agriculture, and environmental responsibility.

More than just a summer activity, Farm to Fashion offers a meaningful introduction to the values that shape K-State’s Fashion Studies program—sustainability, innovation, and creativity. For many participants, it’s their first opportunity to envision a future in the fashion industry. They leave not only with new skills, but with a clearer sense of how fashion can be a force for cultural expression, scientific innovation, and positive social change.

Building a Stronger Program and Community

For the Fashion Studies program, Farm to Fashion is a cornerstone of community engagement. It serves as a platform to inspire young talent and introduce them to the exceptional opportunities offered at K-State. The camp strengthens connections between K-State and the broader community by making fashion education accessible and engaging for local families. It showcases the university’s commitment to excellence in creative education and reinforces its leadership in sustainable design practices - demonstrating that fashion can be as meaningful as it is beautiful.

As Farm to Fashion continues to grow, so does its impact. It enriches the lives of young creatives, empowers student mentors, and affirms the university’s mission to lead through innovation and outreach.

The 2025 Farm to Fashion camp will run July 7–10 on the K-State campus in Manhattan, Kansas.

As anticipation builds for another summer of inspiration and discovery, the program continues to plant seeds of creativity that will shape the future of fashion - one student at a time.

Learn more...

Kansas State University’s Fashion Studies program continues to provide transformative experiences that prepare students for successful careers in the retail and fashion industries. As a university member of the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation—the world’s largest retail trade association—K-State offers students access to exclusive networking, scholarship, and career development opportunities through NRF membership.

Each year, the highlight of this partnership is the NRF Foundation’s Student Program held in New York City every January. In 2025, 32 K-State students attended this immersive, four-day event, with 25 receiving travel support from the Fashion Studies program. Three others—Natalie Peterson, Shelby Roberts, and Marie Connelly—received NRF Foundation scholarships, while others secured support through their academic programs or self-funded their trip.

Natalie Peterson, the 2024 NRF Student Ambassador for K-State Fashion Studies, described NRF as a “one-of-a-kind opportunity” for students to gain direct exposure to industry professionals and career paths not easily accessible from the Midwest. “NRF creates a space where students can connect with peers from across the country and learn about the diverse range of careers in retail,” she shared. “The Student Program in New York is hands-down the most beneficial career exploration opportunity we offer. It’s inspiring, energizing, and an unforgettable experience.”

The 2025 Student Program featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including CEOs from IKEA, UNIQLO, and Studs—Javier Quiñones, Yoshihide Shindo, and Anna Harman—along with leaders from Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Target, CVS, Nordstrom, and more. Students participated in panel discussions on emerging trends, sustainability, innovation, and the future of retail, and had the opportunity to network directly with company representatives.

The event culminated in a career fair, where students met with recruiters from top companies including Gap Inc., Zara, Kohl’s, Target, Victoria’s Secret, Walmart, Nordstrom, and TJX. Several K-State students earned interviews, with some receiving internship or job offers on the spot.
The trip wasn’t all business. Students also explored New York City—visiting the MET, navigating the subway, shopping at flagship retail stores, and enjoying the city’s energy. “It’s a great bonding experience,” Peterson noted. “Being in a major fashion hub with classmates makes everything we learn in the classroom come to life.”

Peterson’s own NRF journey is a testament to the program’s value. As a Student Ambassador, she earned a fully funded trip to the 2025 Student Program by completing the Foundation’s requirements. She was joined by two other scholarship recipients: freshman Shelby Roberts, who received the Rising Stars Scholarship, and junior Marie Connelly, awarded the competitive Ray Greenly Scholarship for her work at the intersection of fashion and technology.

Through NRF, students gain access not only to scholarships and networking but also to professional development events throughout the academic year. “NRF gives our students a chance to stand out,” Peterson said. “Whether it’s through resume-building events, virtual networking, or real-world career exposure, it’s preparing us to be the future of retail.”

K-State’s ongoing commitment to offering hands-on professional opportunities—like participation in NRF—ensures that its Fashion Studies students graduate not only with a degree, but with the confidence, connections, and career clarity needed to thrive in today’s dynamic industry.

Do you have a job or internship you want us to share with our students?

If you want to promote an opportunity to our Fashion Studies students for upcoming summer internships or post-graduation jobs, please let us know.

Is your high schooler starting to explore colleges? Schedule a Campus Visit TODAY...

Prospective students have a number of opportunities to visit campus and meet with programs. Explore K-State and the Fashion Studies program by scheduling a Campus Visit!

Interested in joining the College Professional Mentor program?

Are you interested in mentoring our students? The College of Health and Human Sciences provides a Professional Mentor Program for the students, pairing firm and industry individuals with students wanting a more in-depth understanding of the profession or area they seek to work in. If interested in learning more about being a mentor, please visit the mentor website, or you can reach out to Dana Parker, Career Development Coordinator.

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