by Jessie Ammons

photograph by Mallory Short

Often, the best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and dive in. That’s the thinking behind N.C. State’s annual Art2Wear runway show, presented by the College of Design and entirely produced by students majoring in art and design. “We as students don’t often get exposure to the sponsorship and fundraising that goes into a fashion show,” says senior Sarah Clark, shown above. “And then we’re making the clothes. Creating an individual piece for a project is much different than creating a whole collection.”

See the fruits of student designers’ labor on April 17. This year’s theme is “Tell Me A Story,” which is intentionally ambiguous. “It will be the most diverse show ever,” says Justin LeBlanc, assistant professor of art and design and local celebrity from a stint on Lifetime’s reality show Project Runway. LeBlanc, who debuted his first collection at an Art2Wear show, says it will always have a special place in his heart. “It provided that crucial first step that led me down my career path,” he says.

Clark has already found that to be true. Involvement in last year’s Art2Wear helped her land a spot showing her collection at Charleston Fashion Week last month. “Art2Wear is a great stepping stone,” she says. “The show constantly brings creative students that have elements and ideas that we have never seen before,” says LeBlanc. “This year is no exception.”

The runway show will be at the N.C. State Talley Student Center’s Stafford Commons. Lawn seating is free. To learn more and for other ticket options, go to art2wearNCState.com.