Fashion fans can be excited for this weekend’s event as the Central Texas College campus prepares to host an open house and fashion show on Saturday.
The event will showcase looks designed by students from the College for Kids Fashionista Design Course and the latest collection of fashion designer and CTC instructor Miriam Schenk.
The open house will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fashion show will take place in building 224 of the Anderson Campus from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
The designs crafted by young artists during an intensive one-week fashion design course will take center stage during the show. The goal of the course was to craft and upcycle fabrics and clothing into creative looks, including clothing and accessories such as jewelry and purses.
In addition to the innovative ideas of the young artists, the fashion show will showcase Schenk’s latest designs.
One centerpiece is a white dress that she donated to the CTC college.
“This dress is special because it’s a silhouette that embodies the majority of women’s bodies while still emphasizing their beauty and showing off their curves,” Schenk said. “Life is about special moments, and feeling amazing in the garment you wear makes for a magic moment.”
Schenk’s experience spans over two decades, with her career beginning at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. She has participated in numerous fashion shows and competitions and runs her own business, Schenk Couture, specializing in custom gowns.
Her inspiration for the featured dress came from the natural beauty of Texas’ state flower.
“I got inspired to make this dress by looking at the bluebonnets in the field,” she said. “I automatically pictured a beautiful woman sitting in the field in a white dress and her softness blending into nature.”
Schenk’s passion for fashion extends beyond creating stunning garments. She loves teaching others and seeing them enjoy their creations.
“The most rewarding part of fashion is teaching others the joys and satisfaction that comes when completing a project and the pleasure of creating something new with the only limits being your imagination,” she said.
The fashion design camp for kids is not the only occasion Schenk shared her passion for style. Starting in September, she will also hold a complete Fashion Design Course as part of the CTC’s Continued Education Program. The comprehensive course will include lessons on sewing, pattern-making, and draping techniques.
“It’s so satisfying to see your students be so proud of themselves,” she said. “There is nothing more beautiful than their smiling faces and full hearts.”
According to Jocelyn Larkin, Coordinator for CTC’s Continuing Education department, another highlight of the open house and fashion show event is a raffle that will include accessories designed by the students and back-to-school baskets.
The proceeds from the raffle will benefit the College for Kids Foundation, which provides scholarships to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in enriching educational experiences.
The Central Texas College Foundation, established in 1992, is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting students primarily through scholarships. The foundation’s mission is to help CTC grow by acquiring gifts, scholarships, equipment, and other donations to support students, faculty, programs, and facilities.
Donations to support the College for Kids Scholarships can also be made online directly through the Central Texas College Foundation.
