Going red for women's health
On March 7, nine Mount Mary students, two faculty, and one alum presented their red dresses during the American Heart Association's Red Dress Collection fashion show.
Mount Mary partnered with Faye Wetzel of Faye's Boutiques to present an all-red fashion show to help raise awareness about the issue of women's health and heart disease. Mount Mary fashion designers were tasked with designing their own dresses in the association's signature red color.
Designers drew inspiration from a variety of sources including history, their loved ones, and fashion icons from the past. Click through the slideshow below to learn more about each of the Mount Mary dresses that were featured in the show.
Three dresses designed by current Mount Mary students, Grace Jentsch, Dacia Bott, and Lily Koch were chosen as the top three during a juried selection. Their dresses will be on display in Caroline Hall on the Mount Mary Campus and will be featured during the CREO fashion show in May.
Top Three Winning Design: Lily Koch
Current Mount Mary student Lily Koch's dress was chosen as one of the top three winning designs and was modeled by her mother, Jennifer Rodman, on the runway. Lily was inspired to support the American Heart Association (AHA) after the AHA supported her grandfather who struggled with congestive heart failure.
Top Three Winning Design: Dacia Bott
Current Mount Mary student Dacia Bott modeled her dress that was chosen as one of the top three winning designs. She went red to support her mother who has a heart arrhythmia.
Top Three Winning Design: Grace Jentsch
Current Mount Mary student Grace Jentsch modeled her winning design on the runway. She went red to show unity through fashion to promote self-love, self-care and empowering each other.
Student Designer: Adia Kolell
Elaina Smith modeled an athleisure-inspired dress designed by current Mount Mary student Aida Kolell. Aida went red because she was diagnosed with POTS, a medical condition that affects the function of the heart.
Student Designer: Sonje Kozinski
Mount Mary student designer, Sonje Kozinski modeled her bold, red dress on the runway. Sonje went red because heart disease runs in her family.
Student Designer: Gigi Wagener
Paige Wagener modeled a red dress designed by her mother and current Mount Mary student, Gigi Wagener. Gigi went red because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women today, and she wants to change the statistic by educating women and empowring them to lead healthy lives.
Faculty & Alum Designer: Jess Frantal
Nicole Martin modeled a dress designed by assistant professor and Mount Mary alumna, Jess Frantal. Jess was inspired by ancient Roman soldiers who went into battle wearing a red cloak called a Sagum. Her dress is designed to empower and embolden its wearer in any battle she faces.
Alum Designer: Laura Bavlunka '14
Katrina Mazler modeled a hand-embroidered dress designed by Mount Mary alumna, Laura Bavlunka '14. Laura went red because she wants to empower women to live healthy lives and be aware of their heart health.
Student Designer: Nyah Rutchik
Mount Mary student Nyah Rutchik modeled her red gown that was inspired by vintage fashion. She went red because supporting and advocating for heart health is important to her and she believes you're never too young to make a difference.
Student Designer: Kristin Hardwick
Current Mount Mary student Kristin modeled her red dress on the runway that was inspired by the 1950s. She went red to help spread awareness about heart health and empower women.
Student Designer: Cassie Stutzman
Madison Feck modeled a dress designed by current Mount Mary student, Cassie Stutzman. She went red to help give survivors of heart disease encouragement, support and hope.
Faculty Designer: Ashley Brooks
Mount Mary Chair of the Fashion Department, Ashley Brooks, modeled her mid-century inspired dress on the runway. She went red because heart disease runs in her family and wants to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
