KCAD Fashion Studies program presents “Couture Code” Fashion Show at Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design will present the 2025 KCAD Fashion Show event, Couture Code, on April 15 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The highly anticipated runway show will feature the work of KCAD Fashion Studies students, including original fashion designs as well as costume designs created for the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Holland Tulip Time Festival.

A model poses on the runway at KCAD’s 2023 Fashion Show event at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Audiences of all ages are invited to experience this unique runway event—organized and produced entirely by the students themselves—that celebrates the future of fashion through inclusive, sustainable, and innovative approaches from emerging designers.

The eclectic presentation will provide an up close and personal look at the outstanding work produced by KCAD’s Fashion Studies program, showcasing the capstone collections of graduating seniors as well as undergraduate work inspired by the Couture Code theme.

“We’re thrilled to offer both students and guests the immersive experience and high energy of a fashion show along with opportunities to mingle with industry professionals, designers, and a multitude of fashion-savvy attendees,” said Lori Faulkner, professor and Fashion Studies program chair.

KCAD Fashion Studies students collaborate on model casting and fitting for the upcoming Couture Code showcase.

Students participating in the show are excited to take complete ownership of the event experience.

"I’m looking forward to seeing these designs we’ve all been creating and refining for so long come to life on the runway,” said student Sarah Pham. "It’s rewarding to know that our collective hard work is coming together to make this event an unforgettable night for our guests, models, and student designers."

In addition to spotlighting the unique talents and styles of each student designer, Couture Code will also reflect the breadth and depth of the KCAD Fashion Studies curriculum. Students in the program build a solid foundation of skills in research, illustration, design, patternmaking, construction, fitting, and draping before having the opportunity to dive deeper into specialized areas like designing for individuals with differing abilities and sensory needs, minimizing waste through strategic material choices and design processes, and developing garments for both mass market and one-off production.

“I am so proud of my fellow classmates and the diversity of style, function, and substance that we’ve brought forward in this collective presentation—from inclusive design for underserved groups, to sustainable design and construction techniques that look to the future of the fashion industry, to extremely detailed couture pieces that will dazzle on the runway,” said student Zayne Cutrara.

KCAD Fashion Studies student Zayne Cutrara creates sketches for his capstone designs. 

The Couture Code Fashion Show will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the GRPM, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 ($25 for students) and include admission to the show and the GRPM exhibits. Dress to impress and join us for an unforgettable evening of fashion, fun, food, and mocktails. Tickets for this event are available at tickets.grpm.org.

The 2025 KCAD Fashion Show event is generously sponsored by Pamella Roland Devos, Ferris State University’s AV Production Team, and Applause Catering.

Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations to participate should contact the Grand Rapids Public Museum at [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance.

Ferris State University is an equal opportunity institution. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit ferris.edu/non-discrimination.