URI’s Textiles, Marketing, and Design students to make waves in Spring Splash fashion show

KINGSTON, R.I. — April 17, 2007 — The University of Rhode Island’s Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design Department will present its fourth annual “Spring Splash” fashion show on Thursday, April 26.


The event, subtitled “A la mode,” will celebrate the successful launch of a dual degree textiles program with the French language. The show will feature the best of the students’ designs as judged by a panel of faculty and industry experts.


There will be a semi-formal reception at 5 p.m. in the University Club, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. before the fashion show. Tickets for the evening are $125, or $25 for just the fashion show. Proceeds will benefit the department, mostly in the form of need-based scholarships.


The department will award more than $10,000 in scholarships, as well as awards for the best design. The fashion show and award ceremony will start at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union. A “Wall of Fame” induction will take place during the show to recognize the achievements of alumni in the textiles, fashion and marketing fields.


Alison Van Hemelrijck, a senior from Narragansett who is participating in the show, is excited about this year’s designs. “Last year my clothing was cheerful and feminine with a girlish look, but this year I have decided to go in the opposite direction,” Hemelrijck said. “I’m happy with how things are going with my collection because it has been almost a year in the making, and my ideas have had a long time to evolve.”


Hemelrijck says that the Spring Splash fashion show is a great way for the textile and fashion merchandising and design students to get experience, show their work, and build their portfolios.


For more information, contact 874-4574.