Fashion + Form + Function Show and Competition

Fashion + Form + Function is UIW's premier student fashion showcase, celebrating original designs from emerging designers in grades 6-12 and college students. This exciting event features a runway show, a keynote speaker and scholarship opportunities for talented young designers.

Join us on March 1, 2026, at the UIW SEC Joeris Ballroom for an afternoon of creativity, innovation and style.

2026 Theme: "Anything BUT Red!"

This year's challenge invites designers to think beyond the obvious. While "Anything BUT Red!" could mean exploring the entire color spectrum—from bold jewel tones to soft pastels, monochromatic statements to vibrant color blocking—we challenge you to dig deeper.Student posing in a dress for fashion form function show

Think conceptually. What does "Red" represent that you can subvert or reimagine?

  • Literary interpretations: The Red Queen's logic, Little Red Riding Hood's journey reimagined, scarlet letters and their meanings
  • Cultural symbolism: Redefining passion, danger, luck or power through alternative expressions
  • Emotional narratives: Exploring emotions traditionally associated with red (anger, love, energy) through unexpected visual languages
  • Historical references: Revolutionary movements, royal traditions or cultural moments—without their signature hue
  • Linguistic play: Red herrings that mislead, red tape you break through, "seeing red" transformed into clarity
  • Nature reinvented: Roses, cardinals, autumn leaves—what if nature's red icons existed in an alternate reality?

The theme is your canvas. Will you eliminate the color red, or will you challenge what "red" means entirely? We want to see your unique interpretation and creative vision.

The only rule: make us see "Anything BUT Red" through your eyes.

Helpful Information:

Step 1: Review the rules and judging criteria. Rules & Judging Criteria

Step 2: Register for the competition by Feb. 6, 2026. Registration will include a media release & liability waiver

Step 3: Complete your entry form. 

Step 4: Create your garment following the theme and guidelines

Step 5: Submit your completed garment to the Joyce Building by Feb. 13, 2026

UIW students and high school students are eligible to compete for scholarships by showcasing their original garment designs. Judges will evaluate entries based on creativity, technical skill, theme interpretation and overall presentation.

All garments must be designed and constructed by the student designer. Detailed judging criteria and competition rules are available for download below.

Other college students and students in grades 6th-8th are welcome to participate in the fashion show, but are not eligible for scholarship awards.

Scholarship Competition Participants:

  • UIW students – compete for UIW Fashion Management scholarships
  • High school students – compete for incoming UIW Fashion Management freshman scholarships

Fashion Show Participants (non-competing):

  • Other college students – showcase your work on our runway
  • Students in grades 6th-8th – gain experience and visibility for your designs

All participants must design and construct their own garments in accordance with the competition guidelines.

Entrance to the March 1 Fashion + Form + Function show requires a donation of:

  • Dog toys or treats
  • Cat toys or treats

All donations benefit Daisy Cares, a charitable organization that brings comfort and joy to shelter animals by providing toys and treats. Your ticket donation helps animals waiting for their forever homes.

Bring your donation to the door for admission.

Important Dates & DeadlinesStudent posing in a pant suit at the fashion form function show

Registration Deadline: Feb. 6, 2026

Garment Submission Deadline: Feb. 13, 2026. All completed garments must be delivered to the Joyce Building by 8 p.m.

Event Date: March 1, 2026