Fashion contestants create runway-worthy garments

PHOTO CAPTION: Mayela Torres, a junior at Sun Prairie East High School, won first prize in Mount Mary's Uniquely Yours youth fashion design contest for her sculptural woven paper and ribbon top and hand-painted wide-leg trousers. Sylvia Wargolot, a freshman at Sussex Hamilton High School received an honorable mention for her tie-shoulder camisole and full skirt with tulle underlayer (background). Their designs were showcased at Mount Mary's annual CREO fashion show on May 12.

Young designers exhibit garments, win scholarships to Fashion Academy

The creativity and resourcefulness of middle- and high-school designers were on full display at Mount Mary’s student designer fashion show.

Winners of Mount Mary’s first-ever youth fashion contest, Uniquely Yours, joined university students in showcasing their designs on the runway. The university’s CREO fashion show was held May 12, 2023.

All of the students listed here have received full or partial scholarships to Mount Mary’s Fashion Academy in June, and had their garments exhibited at CREO:

  • First Place: Mayela Torres, junior, Sun Prairie East High School, for her sculptural woven paper and ribbon top and hand-painted floral wide-leg trousers
  • Second Place: Maya Ernst, homeschooled, for her fire headpiece, leaf bodice and waterfall skirt inspired by the four elements
  • Third Place: Lia Decourcy-Bower, homeschooled,for her patchwork denim jacket and jeans with crochet, hand embroidery and safety pin trim

The following individuals received honorable mentions:

  • Sylvia Wargolot, freshman, Sussex Hamilton High School, for her tie-shoulder camisole and full skirt with tulle underlayer
  • Elizabeth Sobiecki, eighth grade, homeschooled, for her printed tunic and black leggings
  • Ariana Kraut, for her pink satin laced-back top and denim mini-skirt
  • Addie Ames, eighth grade, homeschooled, for her crop top and chainmail-style UNO card skirt and matching bag

“In late 2022, the call went out to youth in the community to create an upcycled garment or outfit that showcases their unique vision,” said fashion faculty member Elena Pitts, who coordinated this contest with fellow faculty member Trish Kuehnl. “Using mostly upcycled materials, these students created one-of-a-kind garments that were distinctive, playful and full of joy.”

For more information about the Uniquely Yours fashion contest, visit mtmary.edu/fashioncontest.