Sustainability claimed the runway, one piece at a time, at this year’s fashion show.
Humber’s 2026 fashion show, The Indigo Edit, showcased student creativity through sustainable design.
Co-project manager Deven Thompson, a second-year Fashion Arts and Business student, said the show focused on sustainability and ethical fashion.
“We really wanted to try and put a sustainable twist on it,” he said. “It was all pre-loved or handmade by the students. None of the denim was brand new, never worn, so that’s something that we really prided ourselves on.”
The annual fashion show, held April 16 in the Barrett Centre lobby, featured student-designed looks made from pre-loved denim and brought together multiple programs across Humber.
Second-year student Sophia Da Rosa, head stylist, managed half of the runway looks. She was involved in fitting models, styling them and keeping within budget. She said the opportunity helped her gain experience.
“It was gaining hands-on experience throughout the program and classes,” she said. “Finally getting recognized for my hard work and dedication to styling.”
For the first time, the first-year product development students designed and created garments for the show.
First-year Taylor Kwan, who worked as both a model and designer, said the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone.
“I feel like it’s such an opportunity that why wouldn’t I take advantage of it?” she said. “Even if it’s something out of your comfort zone.”
Kwan said the cosmetic management program created all the makeup looks for the show.
She also designed a versatile piece that can be worn as both a skirt and a top, with removable fabric to adjust volume.
“You can try it with a skirt, pants, just for added volume on the hips,” she said.
Other students used the show to explore personal themes through design.
First-year student Victoria LaFrance created an outfit featuring flora and a feminine vaginal form.
“It’s a piece blossoming into womanhood,” said Lafrance.
LaFrance said she sourced her materials from Fabricland, using denim and dye to construct the piece. Others found their material at the Salvation Army or brought it from home.
“The flowers weren’t specifically denim, but the green part was. I bleached it and then dyed it and sewed everything together,” LaFrance said.
First-year student Norrita Boansi said the design process involved trial and error.
“It took a lot of trial and error, trying different fabrics, seeing different denim," Boansi said.
She said her inspiration came from TikTok, where she saw a distressed ruffled dress and adapted the idea using denim.
“I just knew I had to make this dress,” she said.
Second-year student Justine Psek, who handled casting, choreography and music, said inclusivity was a priority.
“I wanted diversity. Different races, sex’s, body types, et cetera,” Psek said. “I knew I wanted to showcase all different types of people because that’s what fashion is about. Fashion should be inclusive.”
She taught models how to pose in coordination with photographers and the music she selected, drawing on her background growing up with a father in music production.
Psek said she wanted the show to have a bold, edgy tone
The show featured a DJ who played “If I Were Your Woman/Walk On By” by Alicia Keys.
To bring the show together, the team included more than 20 volunteers, 19 models, 15 makeup artists and six hair stylists.
The production also included stage and production staff, project managers, an executive assistant, a social media team, stylists, a creative team, model casting and choreography, and decor staff.
Sponsors included NUDESTIX, Coco Bubble Tea and United Barkers Dairy Restaurant. Gift bags were provided at each seat, with cupcakes and drinks served at the end. Support was provided by the Longo Faculty of Business professors, including those in Cosmetic Management and Fashion Arts and Business.
Thompson said the event drew between 130 and 150 attendees, marking the end of months of work.
“The last four months were worth it, to hear the claps and see the smiles,” he said.
See @humberfashionshow on Instagram for behind-the-scenes views.
