Ten Things to Know About Unveil, the University of Minnesota College of Design's Apparel Design Capstone Showcase

A discussion with Senior Apparel Design Student, Devin Schwartz

Devin SchwartzSince 1968, apparel design students at the University of Minnesota College of Design have been presenting their original designs in an annual exhibition that marks the completion of their academic journey. This years capstone project exhibition is a fashion show, Unveil, and reception to be held March 22 at The Whim in NE Minneapolis. Check it out and get tickets here.

We talked to Devin Schwartz about the event, the projects and collaboration between students and professors and industry members. I asked Devin to tell us about the event and the program in an easy to digest 10-item list. Here's what he shared:

Designer: Chloé Simpson, Model: Emma Flug, photo credit Joe Dammel1.  The name of the show is Unveil. We as a senior class chose this name as we felt it really encapsulated our experience through our time in the program. We started college at the end of the pandemic and have grown into full blown designers now. Our aesthetics, interests and ideas span a wide range of concepts but together we wanted to Unveil the capable designers we’ve become and to showcase our future goals we are on a path to achieve. 

2.  This is an annual University of Minnesota tradition that started in 1968 and has evolved each year, allowing graduating students to present their original designs and research marking the completion of their academic journeys.

3.  It’s a celebration! We celebrate all of the hard work we have put into our projects leading up to the show, and it brings together our fellow students, instructors, industry professionals and members of the public. 

4.  On March 22, there will be two shows, one at 4pm and the other at 7pm, giving multiple opportunities to see all of the students’ work. Additionally, there will be an hour-long exhibition reception after each show for a chance to talk with all of the designers about their projects and future goals. 

Designer: Tierra Ruggeberg, Model: Wealth Ndego, photo credit Joe Dammel5.  Each project was started over a year ago in January of 2024, spanning many interests including Bridal, Fit issues in PPE, ready to wear, lingerie and standardized sizing, upcycled and mendable collections, and more personal identity-based collections. Each capstone is a direct reflection of each designer's personal and professional interests. 

6.  Each student was paired with an industry professional for mentorship and guidance throughout the entire process of creating our capstones.

7.  The entire show has been planned and organized by the senior students with guidance and assistance by our teacher Luci Kandler, including advertising, social media, sponsorship and more. 

8.  While first starting the research for our collections last year we also were working on functional clothing design projects in collaboration with NASA, Kimberly Clark, and the University of Minnesota Wearable Technology Lab. 

9.  The show as a whole isn’t possible without the help of all apparel design students, not just the seniors. To ensure the show runs smoothly, student volunteers will help with everything from setup and take down, ticket check in and seating. 

10.  Although we each created our own capstone project, the entire process was very collaborative. Without the support and feedback of each other during the development of our projects, they would be nowhere near the level we achieved. We are also a very close-knit class so although stressful at times we were truly able to support each other.