Thursday, November 15, 2007
The culmination of Katie Hunt’s two years of work came to an end on Tuesday night, and the victory was sweet.
Mandie Nech, Larned junior, models a dress by Katie Hunt. Hunt said this outfit was her favorite of the three she made for the competition. Hunt received the opportunity to showcase her designs in a window display at Epic Apparel in downtown Lawrence as part of the prize package.
When it was announced that Hunt, Memphis, Tenn., junior, had won the top spot in this year’s Student Union Activities’ “Project Runway” event, she felt excited, especially after losing last year’s competition. As the winner, Hunt received a chance to have her work displayed in Epic Apparel, located at 11 W. 9th St., a subscription to Vogue and a $200 check. There to celebrate was Hunt’s mom and dad, who drove from Memphis and Alaska to support what Hunt said was a great victory.
“It was such a whirl wind thing — so much went into the competition,” Hunt said, “from the models helping me, to my parents coming for support. It was and just is really exciting.”
Hunt said her participation in last year’s show helped her in this year’s competition. She said she took what she learned and used the two models she used last year to create her pieces for this year’s competition, but didn’t buckle down to work until Nov. 8.
“The past two weeks have really been so crazy with finals coming up and preparing, so I really didn’t start until Thursday,” Hunt said. “I really just blocked out my schedule for Thursday, Friday and Saturday and spent all of my time working on my designs.”
Molly Gaeckle, Sioux Falls, S.D., said Hunt’s fashion style was great and that she earned the top spot.
“Everything that went down the runway was impressive — all of the girls in the competition have great talent,” Gaeckle said. “Katie created classy garments and it was obvious she put in a lot of hark work and thought into details.”
Hunt said her designs were inspired by Landing, a brand of clothing, and her own sense of taste.
“I like Landing because their stuff is classy but young and unexpected; they have twists,” she said. Hunt said her own taste was similar.
“I like to collect unusual and unique things. I really just look through my own stuff and when I want to wear a necklace, for example, I base my designs around it.”
Hunt said she was grateful to do what she wanted for a career. When Hunt grew up, most of her family members were into sewing and were her inspiration to try fashion design.
“I was never pressured to rake in the money, so I figured I can’t go wrong doing something I like,” Hunt said. “I am very grateful of my family’s support.”
While Hunt was glad to win Tuesday night’s competition, she said fashion design was more of a hobby. Hunt is majoring in textile design and architectural studies and minoring in French and art history, with hopes of attending graduate school to major in architecture. She said her grandfather attended the University and majored in architecture, which played a role in her decision to earn a architecture degree. She also said fashion and architecture were similar.
“I like to design things on a big scale, similar to clothes,” Hunt said. “I like to see how things go together so I think the two mix.”
James Larsen, Salina sophomore, attended the show and said he thought Hunt had talent in fashion.
“I think she has a great talent so I would encourage her to pursue it,” Larsen said. “I think she is a name to look for.”
Edited by Meghan Murphy
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