On Thursday, 18 student collections will hit the runway, literally, at John C. Tune Airport for the annual O’More College of Design Fashion Show. This is the 18th year for this elaborate showcase, but smaller fashion shows have been happening at O’More since 1984.

Historically, the show has taken place near the college in Franklin, but this year, the organizing committee decided it was time for a change. “People can expect something that is modern and transitional from years past,” said Hannah Jones, O’More College of Design alumnus and one of the fashion show’s co-chairs. Jones is also co-owner/designer of local label Jamie and the Jones. “Because our industry here is growing so much, I think it was a step in the right direction in order to really bring our college to the forefront of the change we see happening in Nashville.”

Collections from juniors and seniors, chosen via a committee, range from Japanese draping with an apocalyptic edge to mod children’s knitwear, with collections featuring colorful, androgynous clothing for men and women, Shibori dyeing techniques incorporated in plus-size clothing, rave wear and minimalist fashion with an architectural influence in between.(formal dresses sydney)

The fashion show holds great importance not only to the designers who are showing their collections, but to the faculty as well. “As an educator, the fashion show is more than a runway presentation,” said Jamie Atlas, chair of O’More’s School of Fashion. “The work represents the culmination of years of study. It is also a time to introduce the students to the industry where they will be working and leading it.”

Jones, along with Jamie Frazier, the other half of Jamie and the Jones, showed their collections in 2008 and 2009. Of the experience, Jones said, “I think above anything, it gave us a voice and we were able to show our scope on color order and color theory — something that still inspires us as a whole when designing new collections today. We were also allowed to find our love for textiles. In our Junior Collection, we fully beaded many of our looks, and for our Senior Collection we learned how to knit and crochet through YouTube. I still tell my students today that this is the best time in your life.

"You have to just explore what makes you 'you' as a designer. We rarely have that time now to just sit and crochet because we want it to look cool in a collection, or bead because it would add dimension. Once we started our business, the time for design became second (sometimes last) to just running day-to-day tasks. So I always tell them to take their time planning, and take advantage of full days you have to just sit and think in a large studio. Challenge yourself to do something you have never done before and create garments that can be your runway 'brainchild'.  At the end of the day, you are presenting a thesis and telling a story.”

Awards will go to the top junior and senior collections and designers will compete for the Designer Achievement and Distinguished Designer Awards. Prizes include a one-year professional membership to the Nashville Fashion Alliance, technical and design services from Omega Apparel, Inc., fabric packages by Olah, Inc., a top-of-the-line Singer embroidery and sewing machine, and a dress(formal dresses) form from PGM.

Each designer showing in the fashion show has their own unique perspective on the fashion industry and their role in it. I had the opportunity to do a 12 Questions segment with designer Stephanie Caporella, a senior from Destrehan, La. After speaking with her and learning more about her vision, I can’t wait to view her collection on Thursday.

What did you get your degree in and what made you want to go back for a second degree?

My first degree is a Bachelor’s of Science with a concentration in textile, apparel, and merchandising. The two degrees are quite different yet hold a few similarities. They both hold a concentration in fashion, yet the Bachelor of Science consisted more of a universal educational experience where I studied textiles, sewing and a wide range of business classes, which I fully took in. And then I wanted to focus more on my trade, since that is where my effort goes. Attending O’More and receiving a Bachelor in Fine Arts gave me the depth and concentration I was looking for.

What drew you to O'More College of Design? 

The Southern charm and quaintness of the campus is what drew me to O’More. I wanted a new scene and atmosphere. Coming from New Orleans, I just needed something calmer for a bit, and O’More was it. The campus calmed me, inspired me and gave me visual history, which I adore.

What was the inspiration behind the collectionyou’re showing at the fashion show Thursday night?

The inspiration behind this collection is immensely meaningful to me. The events that are happening overseas, the war that continues on, is what truly inspired me to produce this collection from an emotional aspect. I wanted to exert the emotions I receive from the horrid war in the way I knew best, and that was through design.

Japanese pattern making was another huge aspect that I thrived off of. I wanted to capture more Eastern elements, study it, and bring it into my work.The Eastern world fascinates me, and I will continue to study it, and hope one day I land there.

Whythe name “Ruby Dear” for your collection?

“Ruby Dear” wasn’t actually the first name I was going with. First, the collection was called “I Know You’re Looking for a Ruby in a Mountain of Rocks,” based off of one of Meatloaf’s lyrics in "Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad." I love his music. As I continued working on this collection, it dawned on me the name should conceive of more emotion, one with a little tenderness. So, “Ruby Dear” is what came out of it all.

Do you have a favorite technique?

My favorite technique would actually be to use a slip-stitch, which is so basic, but looks so beautiful when done. I just love it.

Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

My favorite fashion designers literally go by country it seems, because the talent is so immense and different. I love acknowledging them all. However, one always has absolute favorites! Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme de Garçons and Ulyana Sergeenko — all of these. I love their work.

What current trends do you like?

The utilitarian feel, all the seaming, pockets and topstitching involved I am really feeling. The asymmetrical ruffle top, midi-dress(short formal dress) and all the coat styles — can’t get enough of those.

Are there any trends you think are ready for retirement?

I do not think there are any trends that are ready for retirement because we evolve new ideas from those older trends. However, we need to keep in mind not to butcher those reoccurring trends in the mass-produced market because that is when things get ugly.

Who do you see wearing your designs?

I see professional women within the age range of 35-55. These women are inspired by their surroundings, have a thriving taste for art and an intellectual mind. These women are conscious shoppers, love versatility in their clothing, and find the importance of dressing oneself in attire that makes them feel good.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on learning as much as I can about the apparel industry, from the inside out. I think I am going to stay in Nashville for a bit. There is opportunity here to work with great artisans and build a brand/name for myself. From there, I’ll let life take me.

What does showing your collection in the O'More Fashion Show mean to you?

It means a lot, actually, more than words can say how I truly feel about it. I know my story, and I know I have come a long way to be where I am today. So, having my clothes walk and it be my senior collection, it’s fulfilling and makes me proud. And after that, it will be something else.

What music do you currently have on heavy rotation?

Ah, good question. I currently have almost all of Alexandre Desplat’s work on repeat. It’s so good.