Students to reveal own designs at James Clemens Fashion Show

Fashion students at James Clemens High School and their models show designs from their upcoming fashion show on May 2. Sherri Shamwell, back row at left, teaches the class. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Fashion design students at James Clemens High School will present a spring fashion show on May 2.

James Clemens students have designed and sewn all outfits for the show on May 2 at 7 p.m. The auditorium will open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free.

“I do not require a show; I let the students vote since they’re doing most of the work,” family and consumer science (FACS) teacher Sherri Shamwell said.

“In preparation for the show, students have practiced their planning and organizational skills. They will learn how to style their outfits to showcase them on the runway. They will learn to collaborate with our community partners,” Shamwell said.

This semester, fashion students “all made little girl dresses using the same pattern but varied their designs. Some students added details not included in the pattern,” Shamwell said.

One student will showcase several designs, including two jumpsuits, several blouses and more. James Clemens students have been sewing dresses, skirts, jumpsuits and shorts. Most students used cotton fabrics, along with cotton blends, linen and other fabrics that the individual patterns require.

“We will feature costumes designed and made for the James Clemens Theatre Department, aprons made by FACS students and individual outfits made by students,” Shamwell said.

“Some students are not comfortable modeling. For them, they have selected a model to wear their clothing. Others are modeling their own clothes or designs,” she said.

Shamwell’s students “have thoroughly enjoyed designing and sewing … obviously, some more than others,” she said.

The show also will honor seniors in the fashion design program. Seniors include Lauren Garrett, Waynetta Gordon, TaWanda Harris, Deja Howard, Ceara Wadsden and Tavaria Williams.