ACADEMICS
Lynn Fashion Showcase inspires students to pursue their dreams
Alumni embrace imperfections and challenges to make a fashionable statement.
Students hit the runway once again at Lynn University's annual fashion show. The event is one of the university's signature projects, dating back to the 1980s at the College of Boca Raton. But today, it's even more: The Lynn Fashion Showcase is a campus-wide collaboration that draws the attention of fashionistas across South Florida.
The 2023 show, themed "The Evolution of Expression," took place inside the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Library and welcomed nearly 200 guests.
The Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn College of Communication and Design produced the show set and multimedia components, while the College of Business and Management's fashion and retail program sourced designers, stylists and models. Its hospitality management students coordinated a pre-show party. Aspiring journalists from Lynn's iPulse news interviewed guests. And for the first time, Lynn teamed up with Miami Dade College's fashion design program to showcase its students' original looks.
Lynn's fashion show is more than just a project. It provides practical experience, teaching participants how to collaborate, solve complex challenges, think creatively and step out of their comfort zone. Over the years, students who participated in this program have gained confidence and demonstrated their determination to pursue their dreams.
The entrance and reception at the 2023 Lynn Fashion Showcase.
Frazier joins a model in her IMPERFECT 001 collection at the 2023 Lynn Fashion Showcase.
"I was excited to bring my collection to the fashion show. The inspiration for it started at Lynn, so it only makes sense to bring it home where it belongs."
E'Naiyah Frazier '17
E'Naiyah Frazier '17 embraces imperfection
Designing a collection that influences the fashion world can seem like an impossible feat. After all, the industry is known for its competitive, challenging and highly detail-oriented nature. For Lynn alumna E'Naiyah Frazier '17, this type of challenge is an opportunity. Embracing imperfection inspired her to create an internationally recognized collection featured in the 2023 Lynn Fashion Showcase.
"I was excited to bring my collection to the fashion show," said Frazier. "The inspiration for it started at Lynn, so it only makes sense to bring it home where it belongs."
As a Lynn student, Frazier participated in the fashion show production class, where she had the opportunity to feature three designs in the 2017 event. This inspired her to pursue a master's in fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her educational journey resulted in her 12-look thesis collection, IMPERFECT 001—inspired by Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with unique mending techniques. Frazier's collection earned a feature in Vogue Italia and on the cover of BuckHaven City Lifestyle magazine.
"I've always struggled with the pursuit of perfection," said Frazier. "In fashion, there are methods drilled into your head as the 'right way' or 'the way it's supposed to be.' It wasn't until a professor pulled me aside and told me to 'let go and create' that I found a philosophy that allowed me to be myself and showcase a collection I was proud of."
This philosophy allowed Frazier to accept her imperfections to showcase beauty in the collection. IMPERFECT 001 features recycled denim fused with the dye patterns of the garments and Frazier's hand manipulations to reflect the unique Kintsugi design in her work.
"From her time as a Lynn student, E'Naiyah has always had a distinctive eye for design and fashion," said Dr. Lisa Benedict, professor of fashion and retail at Lynn. "We're always proud and excited to see a former student succeeding in their professional passion."
Fashion management graduate defies all odds
Cayetana Uranga '12 has accomplished everything people told her she couldn't. She learned English, graduated from Lynn with a bachelor's degree in fashion management and lives on her own. Born with cerebral palsy (CP), Uranga refuses to let a birth condition stop her from achieving her dreams.
"When I was nine, we moved from Peru to the U.S. and doctors said I'd never be able to learn another language," said Uranga. "But I was always a very determined kid and three years later, I was speaking English. My mother never treated me any differently than my sisters. I grew up with a 'yes, I can' attitude."
Uranga worked her way to high school honors classes, earned scholarships and received an Associate of Arts. Filled with determination and excitement to become a fashion merchandiser, she applied to a fashion program at an institute she had long admired.
"While I was finishing up the application, the institute's administration staff called me in for a meeting and suggested I change my career path because of my condition," Uranga recalled. "They were concerned I wouldn't be able to pass the sewing course. I left that meeting in tears and withdrew my application—but I wasn't giving up on my goal. That's when I applied to Lynn."
Lynn accepted Uranga to its fashion management program.
"I enjoyed every minute of participating in Lynn's fashion show, learning about the history of fashion and runway trends, and so much more," she said. "The classes were challenging, and my teachers didn't treat me any differently."
Benedict recalls teaching Uranga and helping her work fashion show events. "While I did challenge her, she had to challenge herself. As a professor, you encourage all your students to excel and be their absolute best," she said.
Today, Uranga is a professional social media manager and a disability advocate. She shares her journey under the username @JustCPNotSpecial—a handle inspired by the notion that, while she's different, there's no need for special treatment.
"My classes prepared me for a career in fashion, and my overall experience at Lynn was really encouraging," said Uranga. "I always felt safe and respected. I have overcome many obstacles in my life, and getting my bachelor's degree at Lynn was one of my greatest accomplishments."
Over the years, graduates who have participated in Lynn's fashion show, like Cayetana Uranga and E'Naiyah Frazier, have demonstrated the determination and confidence necessary to pursue their dreams.
Cayetana Uranga ’12 (top), and Professor Lisa Benedict and Uranga (bottom)
"I have overcome many obstacles in my life, and getting my bachelor's degree at Lynn was one of my greatest accomplishments."
Cayetana Uranga '12