Constructing joy: Student fashion show explores and showcases happiness on the runway
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—What separates “fashion” from plain old “clothes”? The students who participated in the spring 2026 fashion show at Western Michigan University might argue that the expression of joy is a defining characteristic of the former.
Such was the case at the Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association’s (MODA) “Pursuit of Happiness” fashion show, whose lines echoed the designers’ childhood memories, life-changing experiences and influences that bring them joy. A total of 24 student designers created lines for the show, including Laura Argentati.
“Everyone really embodied the theme of ‘Pursuit of Happiness,’ and I could feel the joy and excitement radiating from everyone on show day,” says Argentati, MODA president and a fashion design and development major in the College of Education and Human Development. In her collection, “Malibu Maximalism Daydream,” she referenced the 2000s beach aesthetic and Ed Hardy brand.
“The fashion show made my heart so full of joy and accomplishment,” she says. “I had no clue what I was getting into as president this year while also graduating with fashion design as my major. The long days and nights working on organizing this show while balancing my academics was a great lesson I learned, and seeing it all come together made me feel so proud of not only my hard work but the entire organization’s.”
Meet the designers
Dagny Gulledge, MODA treasurer and a fashion design and development major, took inspiration from her enjoyment of matcha green tea and sleep in her collection, “Matcha Slumbers.” Each outfit in the line had garments dyed with matcha, giving them a bright jade color.
“Dyeing fabric with a natural dye like matcha required natural fibers, which is why I used cottons and silks in my line,” says Gulledge. “I essentially made a bathtub of matcha for the fabrics and soaked them overnight. To really bring out the color, I soaked the fabric with aluminum silicate and water, which is normally a baking ingredient.
“The show was fantastic!” Gulledge adds. “In addition to the happy nature of all the lines, seeing the culmination of everyone’s dedication was extremely satisfying.”
Alexandra Garza, marketing major and MODA’s director of marketing, reflected on her experience growing up in Detroit in her collection, “The Spirit of Detroit.” Her line was emblazoned with references, including the city’s “313” area code, auto industry and professional sports teams.
Other collections took root in students’ passions for culture and life around them. In “Swan Song,” fashion merchandising major Ava Hirvela was inspired by the movie “Black Swan” and reimagined outfits and moments from the film and brought them to the runway. The “purSUIT” line by Caeden Smilde, a fashion design and development major with an interest in sustainable fashion and professional menswear, upcycled discarded suits with a modern look. Kannon Lynch, MODA’s vice president and a music major, wanted to exhibit his love for music and fashion by performing with his choir, Lux Octavia. While models in his line walked, he and the choir sang an original song while playing glass harps to produce mesmerizing sounds.
“We got to really dig deep and show who we are as designers at our core,” says Zach Argonis, a senior fashion design and development major. “The topic being ‘happiness’ gave us the opportunity to give the audience the purest version of our art since we do the best work when we have the most fun.”
Award winners
At the conclusion of the show, fashion faculty members Kelly Weathers and Iris Cooper gave out awards to the following students:
- Caeden Smilde, Best Upcycle Line
- Lukas Milosevic, Best Construction
- Dagny Gulledge, Best Theme
- Zach Argonis, Best Use of Design Features
- Valentino Rush, Best in Show
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.