Graduating seniors Rachel Lee (left) and Emily Ridings (right) each walk the runway with a model wearing one of their looks at Pratt Shows: Fashion | Diversiform (photo: Fernando Colon)

Pratt Institute presented its 119th annual runway show on May 3 at Spring Studios in Manhattan as part of Pratt Shows, the Institute’s curated showcase by the 2018 graduating class. The show, titled “Diversiform,” spotlighted the exceptional work of 20 selected students to an audience of more than 600 guests. It received media coverage and acclaim in outlets including VOGUE U.S.Women’s Wear DailyFashionista.com, and Dezeen.com.

Before the runway show, Pratt honored fashion designer Gabriela Hearst, the Uruguay-born, New York-based womenswear designer, with the Pratt Fashion Visionary Award. Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Glenda Bailey presented the award to Hearst. Pratt recognized Hearst for her dedication to producing sustainable, high-quality collections without conceding her ethics and values, taking into account where materials come from, who is producing them, and how her designs can act as a vehicle for greater good.

Hearst stated, “My team and I were so honored to receive an award from one of the greatest fashion institutions in the world. It is humbling that our commitment to design, quality, and sustainability has been recognized. It motivates us to continue creating luxury fashion at the highest standard.”

At the close of the show, Fashion Chair Jennifer Minniti announced two special student honors:

  • Rachel Lee, BFA Fashion Design ’18, was selected to present her work in June at Graduate Fashion Week in London, alongside work by students from peer institutions.
  • Emily Ridings, BFA Fashion Design ’18, was presented with the Christopher Hunte “On Point” award, a $10,000 scholarship. 

Each student presented a runway collection composed of eight to 15 complete looks, including accessories. The designers who presented their collections were Rachel Lee, Quian Wu, Jiayue Ge, Jessica Stahl, KJ Choi, Anderson Osmun, Samantha Debardeleben, Ryu Tomita, Talia Leslie, Victoria Tom, Liv Ryan, Hannah Li, Shelby Grochowski, Ying Yang, Hajin Kim, Haley Switlekowski, Perri Vaaler, Amy Sullivan, Jeremy Wood, and Emily Ridings.

Visit our Facebook album to see the full looks from Pratt Shows: Fashion “Diversiform.”

Images: Graduating seniors Rachel Lee (left) and Emily Ridings (right) each walk the runway with a model wearing one of their looks at Pratt Shows: Fashion | Diversiform (photo: Fernando Colon)