Senior Designer Timeline

This step-by-step roadmap is designed to guide you through Fall 2025 as you prepare for RUNWAY 2026. Staying on track this semester will set you up for success when it’s time to bring your collections to life in the Spring.

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This year’s focus is AMPLIFY — a call to go louder with your values, vision, and voice. Senior designers will partner with nonprofit organizations that align with their identity and purpose, bringing together fashion and community impact.

Faculty Support Team

Throughout this journey, you’ll be supported by:

• Erin Habes – Faculty Director of Runway

• Rashaad Holley – Runway Advisor

• Dr. Mamta Saharan – Fashion Illustration, Flats & Textile Design

• Dr. Shantell Reid – Apparel Design & Product Development

• With additional guidance from Dr. Arlesa Shephard (Chair), Dr. Emine Ercan, Dr. Keunyoung Oh, and Dr. Ji Young Lee.

Key Fall 2025 Milestones

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Workshop 1: Personal Design Philosophies

📅 September 17 or 24 | 5–7 PM
Led by Erin Habes & Rashaad Holley

• Define your personal brand as a designer

• Explore your inspirations and influences

• Shape the story and values that will guide your collection
   

Workshop 2: Sketch Development

📅 September 29 – October 3

• Bring at least 50 thumbnail sketches

• Discuss your nonprofit connection & collection vision

 

Note: Faculty will guide you in selecting and connecting with your nonprofit partner. Please do not reach out to organizations on your own—RUNWAY faculty will make the initial contact on your behalf.

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Field Trip: Fabric USA

📅 October 20–24 (Exact date TBD)

• Source fabrics and materials for your collections

Illustrations & Flats

📅 October 27 – November 7
Led by Dr. Mamta Saharan

• Translate sketches into detailed illustrations and flats

Pattern Development

📅 November 10 – 21
Led by Dr. Shantell Reid & Rashaad Holley

• Begin transforming your designs into patterns and test garments

Designer Presentations

📅 Week of December 3 | 5–7 PM | Tech 160

• Present your design decks to faculty and peers for feedback

Model Casting

📅 October (Date TBD)

• Runway team will support students in securing models for fittings and show preparation

Looking Ahead – Spring 2026

Stay tuned for Spring milestones, including:

• Critique & Evaluation (April 10, 2026)

• RUNWAY x Bengala Gala (April 25, 2026)