Hanging by a Thread: Threads Fashion Show’s Judging Day

Story and photos by: Jack Turpen in collaboration with Verge

Inside Wightman Hall on Saturday, March 22, models became the first audience for each designer’s vision, showcasing the pieces to an outside panel of judges.

The judging room remained strictly off-limits to designers, as well as the identities of the judges.

This was the time the designers got the approval or not, whether their designs would be cut or shown in the Threads Fashion Show, which took place on Saturday, April 12.

Stress is brushed across the faces of student designers as their models cancel last minute via text, leaving them high and dry for an important day leading up to the Threads Fashion Show. Badged production students run around, wrangling designers and their models to get in line for their time with the judges. The environment was tense, but par for the course if student designers want to win big the day of the show. The prizes on the line? Up to $500.

Judging Day in Three Words

“Stressful, exciting, red-headed.” – Skylar Seccia, designer

“Shit, my, pants.” – Emma Rockwell, designer

“Nerve-racking, exhilarating, show-stopping.” – Lauren Fulk, designer

“Exciting, busy, stressful.” – Jasmine Locklear, model

Out of 24 collections, only eight to nine would walk away with an award — raising the stakes for designers hoping to stand out amongst the crowded show. From Rookie of the Year to Carhartt’s Best Overall Execution, each prize recognizes different strengths in design, creativity and craftsmanship.

“Stressful, exciting, fun.” – Sheree Patton, designer

“Nerve-racking, iconic, beautiful.” – Kerrigan Yarbrough, venue Director

“Creative, intense, fast.” – Iian Mull, faculty advisor

“Hectic, fast, process.” – Alaina Pifer, designer

And then there’s the wild card: the Viewer’s Choice Award, voted on during the runway show, where any collection could rise to the top based on crowd appeal alone. For designers, that meant Judging Day wasn’t just about impressing the panel — it was about impressing their peers.

“Long, improvised, intense.” – Shelby Taber, designer

“Pride, joyous, exciting.” – Cayla Cataline, model and production team

“Exciting, busy, fashion.” – Mary Germilhac, model and production team

“Teamwork, process, organization.” – Kristen Pitchel, producer

With so much on the line, the energy in the room felt like a mix of anticipation and adrenaline. Judging Day may fly by, but the pressure, adrenaline, and creativity leave a lasting impression — no matter how you describe it.