The annual Dress Up For Downs fashion show was held on Saturday, March 4 and there were many sparkles and even more smiles. Dress Up For Downs is Kent State’s nonprofit student organization that aims to “bridge the gap between our fashion and Down syndrome communities through clothing, funds and relationships.” 

This year’s show was “A Night in CandyLand”, and the Kent State ballroom was decorated to match, with colorful candy, balloons and even a cotton candy machine. The fun theme definitely contributed to the overall joy of the night, and the bright colors matched the smiles on everyone’s faces. With the combination of ticket sales, raffle tickets and donations, the organization raised $3,276 for the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio. 

Every single model that walked the stage was a part of the Down syndrome community, strutting the runway and striking a pose. Not only did these models show off their stunning outfits designed and created by Kent State fashion students, but they also got to show off their personalities. 

From glitter to fun prints, the looks presented on Saturday were almost as incredible as the models wearing them. There were two pretty pink dresses on the runway, one being the show opener worn by Moira Kreutzer and designed by Julia Buckingham. Another fabulous look was a streetwear look with an oversized hoodie and graphic jeans worn by Elijah Masony and designed by Danny Macchiarale. The crowd went wild when Abigail Speer, wearing a deep blue gown, tossed her shiny tiara into the crowd with her exit. 

Rachel Stauffer, a design officer on the Dress Up For Downs board, provided an inside look into the Dress Up For Downs program and what it means to everyone involved. 

Dress Up For Downs was inspired by another Ohio school with a similar runway fashion show program that Kent State adapted and brought here, Stauffer said. There seemed to be a missing piece between the fashion industry and the Down syndrome community, and Kent State was determined to do something about that. 

Stauffer said that Dress Up For Downs gives the models “a sense of community” and the program is “a place where they can come and not be shy and feel welcomed and involved.”

Witnessing the pure joy on the models’ faces as they walked across the stage and heard everyone clapping for them was something to never forget. For Stauffer and the other members of Dress Up For Downs, seeing the final product makes the whole process worthwhile. 

Stauffer, like the program’s mission, said that the show “bridges the gap between fashion and Down syndrome, and brings it all together for the models so they have something that fits them perfectly.”

For anyone looking to join Dress Up For Downs or learn more about the organization, follow its Instagram at @dressupfordowns, or attend its next meeting on Wednesday, March 15. 

Support Student Media

Hi! I’m Catie Pusateri, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.