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5X����’s School of Fashion recently hosted the 2023 Portfolio Showcase at Kent State’s New York City Fashion campus in New York City's Garment District. 

This annual event allows recruiters, industry guests and alumni to review the portfolios of the university’s top fashion design students of the year. The Portfolio Showcase is designed to foster connections between students, alumni and the fashion industry while assisting graduates as they shift to professional lives. 

De'Asia Sellers, from Kent State's Spring Class of 2023, shows her portfolio.

Attendees from Across the University

Briahna McCullough, fashion design graduate from Kent State’s Spring Class of 2023, participated in the Portfolio Showcase. She said, “I was talking to my peers in other programs across the university and a lot of programs don’t have a showcase event like this – which is why I think it is so important that we get to do this! Especially since it’s in New York, in the Garment District – the fashion hub.”

Kent State's Nicole Brownell (right) views designs by Kent State Spring 2023 graduate Rafaela Carvalho.

This event was organized by faculty from Kent State NYC and Kent State’s Kent Campus. Students and faculty from Kent State’s School of Fashion attended the event, including Nicole Brownell, senior director, philanthropy, Division of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement; Sue Yoder, associate professor, NTT, Fashion Design & Merchandising; and Hillary Stone, industry liaison and NTT professor, Fashion Design & Merchandising.  

Briahna McCullogh (left), of Kent State's Spring Class of 2023, speaks with Traci Faas, from American Eagle Outfitters

Traci Faas, director, talent acquisition, from American Eagle Outfitters, was one of the industry professionals who came to the event to meet students and view their portfolios.    

"Kent State School of Fashion portfolio students have this exciting and unique opportunity to showcase their work to fashion industry professionals here at Kent State NYC Fashion,” said Yoder. “During their senior year, students work on their portfolios and websites, while also have the opportunity to meet with fashion alumni and fashion industry professionals in preparation for this exciting event.”

Emma Rose Lyons (right), from Kent State's Spring Class of 2023, shows her portfolio to a guest 

"The portfolios and websites shown are the culmination of all their amazing work and the results are stunning,” said Yoder.

Kent State spring graduate Rafaela Carvalho discusses her designs with American Eagle Outfitters' Traci Faas

Stone said, “New York City Fashion is crucial to the 5X���� students’ experiential education journey. It fosters industry engagement and connects our students with internships.”

Kent State spring graduate Briahna McCullough

Top image photo caption: Kent State Class of 2023 graduates Daniel Macchiarole (far left) and Joseph Miglio (center) share their designs with a guest.