Turning up the style: Student fashion show celebrates music's influence on the runway

Contact: Chris Hybels

April 29, 2025

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—In an epic performance, Western Michigan University students danced their way through another hit on the runway during the Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association's (MODA) annual spring fashion show.

Female student — Fahima Mossen, a biocehmistry student, modeled for fashion student Zach Argonis' fashion line.

By unveiling a range of designs, this year's theme, "Rhythm N' Runway," was a celebration of how music has influenced fashion through the decades. According to Olivia Bolognia, MODA president, the 24 student designers, were given the freedom to create lines based on the genres and artists that resonated with them.

"What I like about this theme is that there's so many different genres and eras of music," says Bolognia. "It's not just one consecutive style throughout, it's really just everyone designing to whatever music they like."

Their largest event yet, the fashion show was held in front of a crowd of 600 attendees at the Delta Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Completely student-run, MODA members were responsible for every aspect of the show, including marketing, planning and set design.

Inspired designs

Female model — Tori Mosner modeled for Dagney Gulledge's Foo Fighters inspired line. The clothing reflected their song's theme of bittersweet acceptance of endings.

Dagney Gulledge was inspired by rock band Foo Fighters and their song "Everlong" for her 5 piece line. The garments expressed the song's theme about being melancholy and happy knowing things will eventually end.

"It was a combination of upcycling and from scratch," said Gulledge. "I had a few pieces where I started with just fabric and a lot of my other pieces were made from my and my parents' old jeans."

Ella Voelks paid homage to fellow Minnesotan Prince by transforming the artist's most famous looks for the runway. Growing up 30 minutes aways from the artist's home, she wanted to capture famous moments from his career that spanned four decades.

Man holding guitar — Influenced by Prince, Ella Voelks tried to capture the artist's essence in her line. Modeled by Michael Cynowa, this garment pays homage to the artist's 1984 album and film, Purple Rain.

"I really looked at a lot of his previous costumes that he's worn on stage and took a lot of the elements that he's used," says Voelks. "He goes extreme with things, like crazy fringe and cropped high waisted pants. And obviously the sparkle and gold."

Career focused, Voelks adds that the fashion show is also an opportunity to build her design portfolio.

"Having professional pictures of your garments is amazing, so when they're being offered to you for free on a runway it is a wonderful thing," explains Voelks. "All of those picture will be put in my portfolio and will hopefully benefit me in getting a job later."

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.