2024 SVDP/DAAP fashion show breaks fundraising record at $275K
'RetroFittings' charitable fashion show gives UC students a platform for creative expression
The 19th annual St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) fashion show, “RetroFittings” — in partnership with the University of Cincinnati’s School of Design — brought in a record $275,000 to support SVDP charitable services, including access to beds, rent and utility assistance, food, lifesaving medication and other crucial services.
Fashion design student Josslyn Glore models a ensemble made from thrifted leather handbags. Glore won a 2nd place scholarship award for the garment. Photo courtsey of St. Vincent De Paul
Over 400 guests attended the fashion show on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Music Hall, where models took to the runway wearing garments crafted by second-year UC fashion design students. The garments were upcycled from thrifted SVDP items that students purchased with a $20 allotment.
This year’s looks included attire made from puzzle pieces, metal bowls, leather bags, VCR tape, a golf bag, baseballs, and more.
Runway "looks" by UC fashion design majors for "RetroFittings" 2024. Photos courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul.
“Students love the opportunity for unabashed creativity at this time in their design development,” commented Laurie Wilson, the associate director of student affairs and assistant adjunct professor at UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), who oversees the collaboration.
The garments take months to design and develop, Wilson noted, adding that the designs can be as “out of the box” as students wish, such as a jacket seen on the runway adorned with shoe insole appliqués.
In addition to ticket sales, the event raises funds from an on-site pre-show boutique with high-end thrift store items — such as a vintage Burberry trench coat — plus silent and live auctions.
SVDP "RetroFittings" fashion show 2024. Photo provided by St. Vincent de Paul
The 2023 show raised $200,000, and organizers were keen to surpass that number.
“This is significant! We are so excited to know we can help more people in need,” said Kaytlynd Lainhart, vice president of external relations for SVDP.
The RetroFittings event, Wilson adds, “is one that gives our fashion design students the opportunity to use their talents for the good of the people in Greater Cincinnati with the most need.”
Runway "looks" by UC fashion design majors for "RetroFittings" 2024. Photos courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul.
The students — 45 this year — also compete for three scholarship prizes.
Scholarships were awarded to Rose Urquhart (first place), Josslyn Glore (second place) and Sophia Thomakos (third place).
Honorable mentions went to Khushi Jain, Gracelyn Thomas and Tayler Helmbright.
Local media previewed the fashion show with a behind-the-scenes look at the looks.
Spectrum News: Annual runway show merges creativity and community impact through thrifting
Local 12: 'Better Together' is theme for this year's Saint Vincent de Paul RetroFittings Show
Feature dimage at top provided by St. Vincent de Paul.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC honors students to lawmakers: Here are ideas to fix public education
December 2, 2020
On Dec. 7, University of Cincinnati honors students in the Save our Schools! seminar will present Ohio political leaders with their best ideas to address some of the state’s thorniest education issues at an educational reform symposium, to be held via remote technology.
CNN: UC group aims to change air travel with 'Coffee House Cabin'
May 4, 2021
People seem eager to plan vacations, especially after this past year, but the pandemic means the future of air travel could change. A group of University of Cincinnati students and professors are trying to pilot an innovative idea.
President Pinto's 2021 year-in-review message
December 17, 2021
University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto looks back on a historic year that brought students, faculty, staff and the community back together like never before.