The next wave of fashion talent isn’t just coming from the style capitals of New York City and Los Angeles. Ohio’s Kent State University boasts one of the best fashion design programs in the country. And that talent was on full display in its 2026 student fashion show.
The annual event capped off the school’s fashion week, a five-day program featuring digital presentations, a portfolio show, background information for prospective students and a gathering honoring this year’s Fashion School Hall of Fame inductee, Fern Mallis, founder of New York Fashion Week.
On May 1, a runway show produced entirely by students featured 171 looks by 52 graduating designers. Clothing ranging from knitwear to streetwear to menswear, with themes ranging from sustainability to cultural heritage.
“The Class of 2026 shows a remarkable commitment to both innovation and responsibility,” Dr. Mourad Krifa, director of the Kent State Fashion School, in a press release. “From accessible design to sustainability, their work demonstrates a keen awareness of how fashion can serve a broader purpose while maintaining a strong creative voice.”
Before the show ended, 13 students received design awards: Talia Fiscante (Best in Show), Lauren Turner and Emily Cranston (Festival), Arabella Hammerich (Design Skills), Drea Favorito (Innovation), Adelynn Prushing (Knitwear), Sanghyun Park (Market Ready), NicNic Hammerich (Special Willingham), Willingham Market Candeo (Student Choice), Catherine MacGregor (Design In Progress), Ash Welch (TechStyle Lab) and Ethan Griffin (Universal Design). In addition, the show’s executive producers Ryan Gibson and Ana Beatriz Fonseca took home fashion management awards.
Below, see the standout looks from Kent State’s 2026 Runway Show.
Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.Looks from the 2026 Kent State University Fashion Show. Photo: Courtesy of Kent State University.
Start your business with our affordable digital offerings.
