Threads Fashion Show: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

For many students, this is just another week of the semester, but for apparel and merchandising students – this is fashion week.

After a long year of hard work and preparation, students are able to show off their talents in the highly anticipated annual Threads fashion show.

On April 25, McGuirk Arena will be filled with style lovers who have come to see the hard work of Central Michigan University students on the runway. However, those standing behind the curtain have a different perspective.

Grand Central: What role do you play in the production of Threads?

Zach Stoner – Producer

There are two producers of Threads who oversee all elements included in the show. The producers can be seen as the ‘creative directors,’ as everything goes through and is approved by them. The task to coordinate all directors and committees: promotions, fundraising, submissions, atmosphere, exhibition and model management falls on the producers.

We plan the structure of the show, working with the directors and their committees to execute their envisioned design. Finding and constructing teams, such as makeup artists, photographers and volunteers is a key piece of the producer’s job description.”

Jennise Thurston – Producer

As a producer of the show, my role has changed quite a bit depending on where we are in the planning process. Last summer, Zach Stoner and I spent a lot of time brainstorming and thinking about what the show should be like, what the mood should be, what the structure should be and how it would all be run. I’ve been a part of Threads for five years now, so I was really able to look back on what I thought worked well from past years and also what I thought could be improved.

As we get closer to the show, my role as a producer has really become making sure that everything is getting accomplished – so following up with people and seeing how they are doing and helping wherever I can. I’m really excited for the show and it will be very different seeing it all come together from a producer’s standpoint rather than just a designer’s standpoint.”

Amanda Snyder – Director of Submissions

“My role as a director has been a huge learning experience for me. It has required time management skills and has positively affected my work ethic. As a director, it is my responsibility to help my committee organize submission days, which is pretty important because without them, Threads would have nothing to put in the show. My committee plays a huge role throughout the semester, as we make sure all pieces are accounted for.

It’s been so exciting counting down the months, weeks and now days until the show. It’s been an honor to play such an important part for this organization and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Kelsey Gincop – Director of Mounted Exhibitions

“As Director of Mounted Exhibitions, it’s my job to display students’ work and the various aspects that go into the fashion industry that we learn about at CMU.”

Hazel Pacion – Director of Model Management 

“My role has me doing anything and everything related to models, including model calls, fit nights with designers, picking models, hair, makeup, choreography and walking tips. I also schedule model calls and send information about them all over campus to get the word out. Additionally, I help get the girls prepped before they walk on stage so that they’re not nervous in heels or in front of an audience.”

Kelsey Dunneback – Director of Marketing and Communications 

“As Director of Marketing and Communications for Threads, I am in charge of promoting the fashion show and getting people, especially CMU students, excited about it. With my team, I create advertisements, posters to hang up around town and communicate with the public – including businesses and sponsors. We have planned events and posted on social media to market Threads with a consistent brand image.”

Alexis Quinney – Director of Venue Atmosphere 

As the Director of Venue Atmosphere, my task is to create the ideal space and make sure the presentation of the student work is the absolute best it can be. My team and I are responsible for stage design, layout, seating and creating the souvenir booklet for the show.”

Claire Kupris – Director of Fundraising

“For the most part, my role is to create enough awareness through promoting and planning events to financially support the show. My main goal is to collect as much money as possible from people who want to contribute to the show, as well as through companies and sponsors who also choose to donate money.”

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