Kara Nicole Hamalainen
Synergy Fashion Group
Synergy produces the annual student fashion show every spring, with students of all majors participating in the execution of every aspect of the fashion show. We have fashion industry representatives come in for the show to judge and select winners for each of our design categories. Our mission is to promote creativity, individuality, and leadership skills through the production of a professional fashion show that features student designs. The group aims to educate, enhance, and support students who are interested in fashion and the arts. The Synergy Fashion Show is a huge event for both the fashion department and the whole University, and is something that many students on campus look forward to.
Pictures from the show:
Award - Most Innovative
It was an honor to win the award for Most Innovative Senior Collection. As a designer, I always strive to think outside the box and create something new, fun, and exciting that has never been accomplished. I would like to thank everybody who has supported me throughout the process of creating my collection, because none of this would have been possible without you.
Synergy Fashion Show: April 30, 2022
For the 2022 show, I designed for a general category. The title of the category was "Retrograde", which meant that designs were unexpected and different from the norm. I interpreted this theme as unique, original, and outgoing, taking creativity to the next level. The strapless gown I made connects to the "Retrograde" category and is designed different from the norm because it is asymmetrical. Asymmetry can be seen as imperfect and unflattering, but my look demonstrates that something asymmetrical can still be seen as perfect and beautiful. My dress also reflects the idea that not everything has to be done perfectly, as some of my stitching and and construction was done incorrectly. Overall, I wanted my design to express the idea that nothing in life is perfect and we should not be so hard on ourselves to make everything perfect.
Pictures from the show:
Award - First Place
It was an honor to have been awarded First Place in the "Retrograde" category. I wanted to convey an inspirational message through fashion because as a perfectionist myself, I often get caught up in this negative mindset. I set excessively high standards for myself and evaluate my work with an overly critical eye, generally interpreting my work as either perfect or a complete failure with no in between. While I still tend to lean toward my perfectionist ways, I try to remind myself of this experience in order to transition from perfectionism to acceptance.
