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URI students to present creations at annual Spring Splash fashion show

20th anniversary event set for Saturday, April 20, in Memorial Union Ballroom

FAMILY FASHION: Emily Marie poses on the runway during last year’s Spring Splash in a blue dress and ensemble designed by her sister, Lillian Marie ‘23. URI photos by Michael Nolfe

KINGSTON, R.I. — April 8, 2024 — Looking for a way to spring into the new season? Well, you can do just that by attending an event being presented by the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design and its students that will showcase their fashion creativity.

The department, a part of the College of Business, will hold its 20th annual Spring Splash fashion show Saturday, April 20, at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. The show will highlight the hard work and dedication of the students in the department.

Tickets for the fashion show are $10 for URI students, $25 for the general public, and $50 for VIP tickets.

Spring Splash is open to student designers who have met course requirements. Sixteen students are creating pieces for this spring’s show. Twenty-four models will display the creations as they walk the runway.

BOLD LOOK: Alia Darius models a red dress in last year’s show. It was designed by Denise Manu, who will earn her bachelor’s degree in textiles, fashion merchandising and design during URI spring commencement ceremonies.

Textiles, fashion merchandising majors Crystal Mũnoz of Cheshire, Connecticut; Jade Totten of Amston, Connecticut; Denise Manu of Pawtucket; Luke Norman of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; and Sabrina Fischer of Riverside, Connecticut, are creating multiple pieces for the show and participating in an independent study for a course based on their Spring Splash experiences.

“These runway looks are the product of months of creative sketching, patternmaking and sewing. Their work is top-notch so expect to be awed by their creativity and technical skill,” said Susan Hannel, associate professor of textiles, fashion merchandising and design.

Hannel has been the show’s organizer since 2004. Elaine Grullon, who came to URI in 2019 as an assistant teaching professor in the department, has worked alongside Hannel on the event since her arrival.

The marketing team, a part of the staff of URI’s College of Business, is also helping out. Jennifer Luther, marketing coordinator for the college, helped design a poster for the event, and Jennifer Diano, the administrative assistant for the textiles department, has assisted with logistics.

STATEMENT JEANS: Craig Hobin models his own unique jeans ensemble during last year’s show. He earned his bachelor’s degree in textiles, fashion merchandising and design last year and will earn his master’s degree this year.

Spring Splash is a fundraising event designed to support students and the department. With the proceeds, the department hopes to purchase more sewing machines, and support student experiential opportunities. 

This year marks the show’s 20th anniversary. Members of the audience will be able to choose the winner of the Two Audience Favorite Awards, which are supported through the generosity of Linda Welters, professor of textiles, fashion merchandising and design. 

Benjamin Smith, a senior sports media and public relations major at the University of Rhode Island and an intern in the Department of Communications and Marketing, wrote this press release.