The future of fashion has arrived.
On April 22, Jefferson hosted its annual Fashion Show, selling out Philadelphia’s famed Bellevue Hotel. Twenty-seven fashion design seniors showcased their capstone collections to a crowd of current and prospective students, university colleagues and leadership, industry reps and area fashionistas.
With inspirations ranging from the whimsy of the circus to the women of the Tudor period to Ragnarök—the prophesied final battle of Norse mythology—the looks represented the culmination of years of hard work and celebrated student creativity, craftsmanship and innovation.
Each student presented four garments on the runway, with collections featuring evening wear, formal wear, streetwear, intimates and resort wear and more. Many designers collaborated with students in Jefferson’s textile design and industrial design programs to complete their pieces.
Jefferson’s Student Design Fashion Show Highlights Innovative, Forward-Thinking Styles
The looks of 27 fashion design seniors graced the runway during the University’s signature event.
Inspired by the whimsy and theatricality of the circus, Ella Cascone showcased her senior capstone collection along with those of 26 other fashion design students at the Bellevue Hotel on April 22. Photos/Steve Belkowitz
Joseph Ward’s “The Root” collection explores the stages of inner transformation through the lens of utility garments. He won the CCA Award for Excellence in Design Innovation.
University President Dr. Susan Aldridge described the annual fashion show as Jefferson at its most creative and inspiring.
“We’re not just educating students, we’re shaping leaders, fueling innovation and advancing industries,” she says. “Through immersive, hands-on and purpose-driven learning, our students don’t just graduate with knowledge, they leave with experience, perspective and the power to lead in a world changing by the minute. This is professions-focused education. It’s experiential. It’s cross-disciplinary. It’s real world.”
Dr. Aldridge also shared the news of the creation of the College of Fashion and Textiles to support Jefferson’s long-term vision and growth. The strategic academic restructuring of Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce—effective July 1, 2026—will form two new and distinct colleges: the College of Business and the College of Fashion and Textiles.
“The reorganization will strengthen our academic identity, reflect the distinctiveness of our programs and better meet the needs of our students,” she says. “This new structure will further strengthen the Jefferson student experience by enhancing opportunities for collaboration and innovation across disciplines.”
Jaida Marshall’s “Blue Mars” yoga-wear collection merges utilitarian design with cultural storytelling. The winner of the L. Tadd and Sandy Schwab Award for Most Creative Collection, she was inspired by NASA’s exploration of Mars and the historical underrepresentation of Black women in space and STEM.
Dr. Aldridge closed her remarks by introducing Class of 2017 alumna Madison Chamberlain as the Jefferson Spirit of Design Award honoree, a distinction presented to an individual who has had a major influence on design and design education. Previous recipients include luminaries such as Tommy Hilfiger, Geoffrey Beene, Nicole Miller, Stuart Weitzman and alumni William Calvert, Jorge Salinas, Mike Ternosky and Jay McCarroll.
Chamberlain’s work—recently featured in Vogue magazine—centers on creating colorful, nontraditional custom wedding dresses, bridal jumpsuits, separates and bold accessories, including veils, capes and gloves. What began as a small ready-to-wear women’s-wear line has evolved into a full studio.
“At Jefferson, we prepare students to challenge the status quo—to redefine possible through design that matters,” Dr. Aldridge says. “Madison Chamberlain has lived that mission with grace, purpose, creativity and brilliance.”
Chamberlain congratulated the designers on their accomplishments, noting that her team of three all graduated from Jefferson (or will soon).
Alumna Madison Chamberlain, a nontraditional bridal designer, received the Jefferson Spirit of Design Award from University President Dr. Susan Aldridge for her influence on design.
“Today, my brand is built on everything I learned here at Thomas Jefferson University and the life experiences that came after graduation,” she says. “The creative self-exploration encouraged throughout the entire curriculum lives in the DNA of my designs. I may be biased, but I think this program creates the most talented and driven designers.”
Carly Kusy, Jefferson’s fashion design program director, applauded all the fashion students for challenging conventions and bringing their boldest ideas to life.
“This has been a remarkable year, and tonight, you’ve seen why,” Kusy told the crowd. “Our senior class has amazed us once again with their passion, drive and unrelenting creativity. We’re at a pivotal point, and we need new voices willing to question, challenge and reimagine what fashion can be.”
Omar Gómez earned the Fashion Design Faculty Award for “Tequila Neat,” a streetwear collection that celebrates Mexican culture.
Student fashion designers who showcased their work on the runway were: Abby Brubaker, Adriana Cameline, Alexandra Tierney, Anna Ferreri, Annalee Capuano, Brooke Boyd, Dayanara Cid, Eleana Garcia Perez, 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 went to:
- 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): Eleana Garcia Perez
- L. Tadd and Sandy Schwab Award (Most Creative Collection): Jaida Marshall
- Baldridge Award (Excellence in Evening Wear or Bridal): Annalee Capuano and Megan Zeiler
- Fashion Design Faculty Award (Excellence in Design): Omar Gómez
- Fashion and Textile Futures Center Award (Excellence in Collaborative Textile Design): Elissa Christina Lopez and Dusty Ruth Prancl.