WVU Fashion students’ designs runway-ready in ‘An Evolving Narrative’

The WVU School of Art and Design’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program presents its 2026 fashion show “An Evolving Narrative” in the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center’s Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre May 7 at 7:30 p.m. High school students are invited to a special behind-the-scenes opportunity beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Fashion Design and Merchandising students are involved in every aspect of producing the event, from garment design and construction to styling, merchandising, promotion and backstage runway production. The show provides a professional platform for students to present original work while gaining real-world industry experience.

“The 2026 WVU Fashion Design and Merchandising Fashion Show celebrates the creativity, innovation and technical skill of our students,” said Colleen Moretz, Associate Professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising and Head of Fashion Design Studios. “‘An Evolving Narrative’ reflects the growth and transformation of our students as emerging designers and fashion professionals. Each collection represents a chapter in their creative journey, demonstrating how their ideas, skills and creative voices develop as they respond to an ever-changing fashion industry.”

Londynn Krygier is a senior dual major in Fashion Design and Merchandising, with an emphasis on design, and Multidisciplinary Media Studies. She has worked on and presented garments at the annual fashion show since she was a sophomore. 

“I love doing all the behind-the-scenes things, because it’s completely student run—with the exception of Colleen Moretz and Dr. Angela Uriyo, of course,” said Krygier. “We plan the show from start to finish. One of my favorite parts of being in the major is seeing the show come to fruition after all our work throughout the year.”

While all sophomore, junior and senior FDM majors participate in putting the show together, the duties change slightly based on major emphasis. Design emphasis students create one to six garments (sophomores present one, seniors present up to six) and are responsible for making sure their pieces are runway-ready. 

Merchandising students are usually assigned to a specific model as a “dresser” for the runway show and the photo shoot, ensuring the model has each look put together properly, complete with shoes and accessories. This year, Merchandising students will be helping with hair and makeup as well.

Last summer, Krygier interned for fashion designer Katerina Lankova, who participated in the first annual Aspen Fashion Week in Aspen, Colorado.

“I pretty much got to be the director for her part of the show, and I was standing there like, ‘Well, this is just like doing it at school.’ The show we do at WVU gave me a great idea of how to run a fashion show. It’s basically the same, just higher stakes,” she said. 

This summer, Krygier will be interning with Project Runway alumnus Segio Guadarrama’s bridal company in New York. 

“Being in the Fashion Design and Merchandising program has given me such a great handle on working under pressure and in a fast-paced professional environment,” she added. 

High school students with an interest in fashion design or merchandising are encouraged to come early for a special behind-the-scenes program. 

“The High School Experience: Behind the Scenes” begins at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the Fashion Show and allows high schoolers to participate in hands-on activities and conversations with current students and get an insider look at the creative work that has gone into “An Evolving Narrative.” Students can come as part of a school group or as individuals. Teachers and/or parents can register their students at go.wvu.edu/fashion-show.

“The spring fashion show is basically our Super Bowl,” said Krygier. “We love being able to show our family, friends and anybody who is interested all the things we do and all the things we’ve accomplished. Anyone who has any interest in fashion, especially as a major or a career, should come see the show and see what we’re all about.”

Like any good fashion show, there are prizes on the line for a variety of categories, and guest judges will be evaluating individual designs and coordinated collections. 

Connie Merandi, of Morgantown’s Coni & Franc, is returning as the Judge’s Chair. Merandi is a WVU Fashion Design and Merchandising alumna, and she and her husband have owned and operated the bridal boutique downtown for over 40 years. 

Kellyn Leveton is one of several guest judges this year. She’s a designer and brand consultant with over 20 years of experience who has worked with Gap, Dr. Martens, Rue 21, Field and Stream and more. She also worked on Adam Levine’s fall 2016 line of women’s clothes.

“An Evolving Narrative” starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, but guests are encouraged to arrive early to view additional student design work on display in the Douglas O. Blaney Lobby before the runway presentation begins.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at go.wvu.edu/fashion-show, by phone at 304-293-SHOW or in person at the box office located in the main lobby of the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about the WVU School of Art and Design and the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program at artanddesign.wvu.edu.