Spotlight on 5 Kent State University’s 2021 fashion graduates

For the second year, the Fashion School of Kent State University has been unable to hold its Portfolio Showcase event in NYC where invited members of industry, particularly those hiring, get to view a selection of work and meet the graduating designers. Instead the school has released its second Digital Showcase Magazine and, while the school expresses interest in returning to physical events, the benefits of the digital magazine have not gone unnoticed. With a wider reach, both nationally and globally, than an in-person event, and the fact that it can be shared all throughout the year as companies evolve and positions open up, only means more opportunities for its graduates.

Thirty-three design graduates from a cohort of ninety-seven were selected by an external group of twenty-six mentors to be featured in the 2021 magazine. FashionUnited spotlights five of these graduates who have checked three criteria of excellence. One, they were chosen for the digital magazine; two, their designs appeared in the school’s annual graduate show; and the third is an external validation, their portfolios were selected for Graduate Fashion Week, the UK-based springboard for discovering the most exciting talent from the world’s top schools.

Kent State University Fashion School presents graduate portfolios

Cindel Corbett is a passionate sustainability-minded concert-goer dismayed at the litter left behind in the natural settings where her favorite bands usually stage shows. With six internships under her belt, she is ambitious, and with a minor in marketing, conceives of commercially-focused collections around zero-waste cutting, circular design and eco-friendly dyeing.

Nicole Graham explores her passion for craft with jacquard and loom weaves suitable for home or apparel while her childrenswear, incorporating print and knit garments, is mood-boosting, featuring detachable elements to encourage self-expression.

A bold and playful aesthetic is Lila Henninger’s signature, with fantastic silhouettes and quirky prints that fuse her background in fine arts with her graphic interests inspired by etymology, Art Nouveau jewelry and children’s book illustrations.

Grace McLain mixes upcycling, flat patterning, hand and machine embroidery and print design in her graduate collection inspired by the gamble of love, which won her the Best in Show award at the school’s runway event.

Hannah Delmore’s inspiration draws attention to contemporary social issues such as the rising water levels in Venice, the BP oil spill, capitalism versus environmentalism, while her process of creating garments focuses on using sustainable practices and recycled polyester.

All photos from students’ online portfolios

Fashion editor Jackie Mallon is also an educator and author of Silk for the Feed Dogs, a novel set in the international fashion industry