STCC College for Kids students showcase fashion creations at Tower Square

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – For five teens, a week of sketching, sewing, styling and experimenting with fabric culminated in a proud moment when they unveiled their original fashion designs in a display window at Tower Square.

The students were among 13 participants enrolled in Springfield Technical Community College's College for Kids “Fashion Design 101 by JUS10H” summer course.

At the beginning of August, five from the class came to Tower Square to showcase garments they designed and created during the weeklong program. Their creations will remain on display on the first floor of Tower Square for two weeks.

The students, their families, friends and instructor Justin Haynes celebrated a week of creativity, collaboration and confidence-building. Haynes, a renowned Springfield-based designer who works out of his JUS10H studio in Tower Square, taught fundamentals of fashion design and encouraged the students to find new ways to express themselves.

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stopped by to celebrate and congratulate the students on their accomplishments.

Haynes said this year's class stood out because of the students' enthusiasm and genuine curiosity about the craft.

"I think it was one of my best years," Haynes said. "The kids were so involved in learning the process. They weren't just here because their parents wanted them to be here. They wanted to actually know the process. There are some bright, intelligent kids who really enjoy fashion and want to learn."

Throughout the course, students explored silhouettes, fabric selection, garment construction, personal styling and design presentation. They created mood boards, experimented with textiles and learned basic sewing techniques before bringing their own concepts to life.

"It's very important to learn about fashion because fashion is what we wear every day," Haynes said. "We need to know how to maintain fashion. We need to know how to create fashion. We have to learn how to utilize our hands and create what we need."

The kids were so involved in learning the process. They weren't just here because their parents wanted them to be here. They wanted to actually know the process. Justin Haynes, Fashion designer and instructor

For 14-year-old Piper Schilling of Longmeadow, the class offered the perfect outlet for her creativity.

"I got interested in this because I'm really artistic and creative," Piper said. "I thought art and fashion design sounded interesting, so I wanted to try it."

Drawing inspiration from her Florida roots, Piper designed a beach-inspired outfit featuring a patchwork sweatshirt decorated with sailboats and coastal imagery, paired with matching shorts.

"That's definitely something I would wear," she said. "Like if it was cold on the beach, like Cape Cod."

She described the experience as "a really unique opportunity, especially at a young age."

Another student, 17-year-old Angel Solero of Springfield, enrolled after getting encouragement from a teacher.

"I love fashion. I really like how to style people and put together outfits," Angel said. "I never knew how to sew before."

Sixteen-year-old Stessie Hilaire, who already enjoys making her own clothes, said the class was a natural fit.

"I love fashion and creativity," she said.

Katalina Moynahan Franco designed a denim ensemble featuring a jean mini skirt with layered fringe accents, a matching tube top with decorative bows and coordinating denim sleeves.

"It's exciting to be able to display it," she said.

The course also emphasized collaboration and communication. Students worked together throughout the week, helping one another solve design challenges and refine their projects. They later presented their work to a panel of judges, receiving constructive feedback.

Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development at STCC, said those experiences were among the most valuable parts of the program.

"As soon as they were able to design their own creations, they were working as a team, helping each other develop those creations," Franco said. "They had the opportunity to present to a panel of judges and receive feedback. That was a really valuable experience for them to build their confidence presenting in front of an audience."

She said the course helped students develop far more than sewing skills.

"There have been so many skills developed during this class," Franco said. "Both the students and their parents are thrilled they were able to have this opportunity."

The class attracted 13 students this summer and marked the return of fashion programming through STCC's Workforce Development Division.

The experience won't end with the window display for some of the students.

Haynes selected four participants to accompany him to New York Fashion Week in September, where they will shadow him behind the scenes as he prepares and presents his latest collection.

"I wanted them to see the design factor of how to do things, but I actually want them to see the process of what happens after they create a full collection," Haynes said. "They'll be with me the whole day, shadowing me."

Piper was among those selected and said she was initially stunned when she learned she had earned the opportunity.

"It took me a minute to process," she said. "I'm really excited because I've never been to anything like that. We get to go backstage, and it's going to be fun."

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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