PHILADELPHIA, PA. (April 22, 2026) – Thomas Jefferson University hosted its Annual Student Fashion Design Show on Wednesday evening at The Bellevue Hotel, a sold-out event which celebrated the creative, innovative and forward-thinking capstone collections created by 27 senior designers.
“We are so proud of our senior designers, not only for the amazing styles they showcased this evening, but because of their embrace of sustainability, inclusivity and empowerment,” said Dr. Susan Aldridge, University president. “Tonight, their creativity inspired everybody in the room, and we know they’ll carry that spirit with them into their professional futures.”
Speaking about collections ranging from gothic aesthetic, maximalist, evening wear and formalwear to Tutor-inspired, yoga-wear, timeless-heirloom, bridal, streetwear and more styles, program director Carly Kusy shared what sets these designers apart.
“This has been a remarkable year—and tonight, you’ve seen why. Our senior class has amazed us once again with their passion, drive, and unrelenting creativity,” Kusy said. “Fashion is more than pretty dresses. It is about voice, perspective, and the courage to say something meaningful. Our industry needs that conviction. We are at a pivotal point, and it needs new voices willing to question, challenge, and reimagine what fashion can be—more inclusive, more responsible, and more reflective of the diverse world it serves.”
In addition to highlighting the innovative creations of this year’s students, Jefferson bestowed its annual Spirit of Design Award to Madison Chamberlain, a Class of 2017 alumna who established a nontraditional bridal design company known for its colorful, nontraditional wedding dresses and statement veils. (Fun fact: Chamberlain’s company employs three fellow alumnae.)
“I am extremely honored to be receiving this award. I remember nine years ago sitting here at the senior fashion show for my class and watching this same award be accepted,” said Chamberlain.
“In the real world there are times you will feel your specific creative aesthetic has no place, and you may wonder - just like I did - what kind of impact your work is leaving on our beautiful planet,” she continued, addressing the students directly. “I encourage you to explore these emotions if they come to you, and to not let yourself feel hopeless. Because these exact thoughts are what will push you to keep growing and evolving. We need designers like all of you who care about this planet and its people more than ever before.”
Designers who showcased their works on the runway on Wednesday are Abby Brubaker, Adriana Cameline, Alexandra Tierney, Anna Ferreri, Annalee Capuano, Brooke Boyd, Dayanara Cid, Eleana Garcia, Elissa Christina Lopez, Ella Cascone, Gabrielle Towne, Jaida Marshall, Joseph Ward, Kayla Lawson, Kaz Kipp, Lily Kate Yach, Megan Zeiler, Mel Gorecki, Miabella Courtney, Nina Ceccanecchio, Omar Gómez, Sami Moritz, Siana Rosini, Stephanie Lorenzo, Teresa (TJ) Mitchell, Tre’ Stanard and Zara Menegaux.
The 2026 Senior Awards winners are:
- President’s Award (Best Senior Collection): Siana Rosini
- CCA Award (Excellence in Design Innovation): Joseph Ward
- Deloitte Award (Most Ready for Retail): Zara Menegaux
- Coates Brothers Clothing of Philadelphia Award (Excellence in Workmanship and Quality): Elissa Christina Lopez
- L. Tadd & Sandy Schwab Award (Most Creative Collection): Jaida Marshall
- Baldridge Award (Excellence in Eveningwear or Bridal): Annalee Capuano and Megan Zeiler
- Faculty Design Faculty Award (Excellence in Design): Omar Gómez
- Fashion & Textile Futures Center Award (Excellence in Collaborative Textile Design): Elissa Christina Lopez and Dusty Ruth Prancl.