Fashion Took Center Stage at STU’s Fashion, Food & Wine Showcase
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
St. Thomas University celebrated creativity, style, and student talent during its 5th Annual Fashion, Food & Wine Showcase at the Gus Machado College of Business in Miami Gardens, themed “Genesis” Every Creation Has a Beginning, the milestone event placed fashion at the center of the evening while supporting experiential learning opportunities for students across Fashion Merchandising and Design, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality.
The runway highlighted an impressive lineup of designers and fashion brands, including Project Runway Season 19 winner Shantall Lacayo, high end womenswear designer Ashley Stambouli, House of Suits, and the Bululu lifestyle brand by Beatriz Perez. Each presentation brought a distinct perspective to the stage, from elevated womenswear and refined tailoring to resort inspired designs that celebrated movement, sophistication, and individuality.
Alongside these established names, student designed high fashion womenswear also had its moment on the runway, giving emerging talent the opportunity to present their work in a professional setting. The showcase reflected STU’s commitment to hands on education, allowing students to gain real world experience in fashion production, styling, coordination, and event presentation.
More than a fashion show, the evening became a platform for mentorship, creativity, and industry exposure. Students worked behind the scenes and throughout the event, connecting classroom learning with the pace and expectations of a live showcase. Their involvement demonstrated the importance of experiential learning and the role fashion can play in shaping future innovators.
The event also included a light culinary and wine experience, featuring STU’s culinary program and select gastronomic partners, adding another layer of hospitality to the evening without taking the spotlight away from the runway.
The showcase welcomed McDonald’s franchisee E.C. Management Corp, participating for the second consecutive year, further supporting an event dedicated to student growth, community connection, and professional opportunity.
This 100 percent student-driven Annual Fashion, Food & Wine Showcase is a remarkable signature event and can easily compete with other major events in the Miami and global arenas,” said Michelle Johnson Barnes, STU’s Provost. “The genius of this begins and ends with our students learning firsthand what it means to be industry innovators and leaders.”
With Genesis” as its guiding theme, the showcase celebrated the beginning of creative journeys. At STU, fashion became more than style; it became a platform for education, opportunity, and future success.
