The runway came to life Saturday evening as MTSU’s Textiles, Merchandising and Design program presented its annual fashion show, “Galleries in Motion,” transforming the Student Union Ballroom into a showcase of student creativity, culture and personal expression.
As models stepped onto the runway, each collection carried a distinct voice — from ornate historical inspiration to modern streetwear and music-driven design — reflecting months of work behind the scenes.
For junior apparel design major Gloria Chu, the moment was something she had strived toward all semester.
Her collection pulled from 17th-century Baroque art, blending dramatic shapes and darker color palettes with elements of streetwear. What began as an unexpected source of inspiration became central to her designs.
“At first, I thought it was kind of depressing,” Chu said. “But I liked how dark it was.”
That vision took shape through hours of research and hands-on work, including multiple trips to a fabric warehouse in Atlanta. Even leading up to the show, final adjustments — from loose lace to small garment details — were still being made.
For Chu, the process was also deeply personal.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her,” Chu said of her sister, who both supported her throughout the semester and modeled in the show.
Across the runway, senior designer Ella Schultz presented a collection rooted in Western fashion, incorporating Mexican and Native American influences. Her pieces emphasized detailed craftsmanship, aligning with the show’s broader theme of fashion as art
Each garment required roughly 40 hours of work, all while Schultz balanced her role as co-manager — a responsibility she said often took priority over her own designs.
“It was a lot of emails and figuring out every little detail of the show and making sure everything is set and ready,” Schultz said. “I was more concerned about that than my collection.”
Schultz also emphasized the smoothness thanks to the “Galleries in Motion” dress rehearsal the day prior.
As a graduating senior, the show marked the end of her time in the program.
“It’s going to be very bittersweet,” Schultz said before the show. “I’m going to miss it a lot.”
While some collections looked to history, others pulled from more recent cultural influences.
Junior designer Grant Tiller’s collection, “Past Emotions,” was inspired by the sound and style of 1990s music, recapturing the era’s emotional weight with dark tones and layered textures.
“I wasn’t even sure if I was able to do something like this,” Tiller said. “I thought about giving up quite a few times.”
Challenges throughout the semester — including having to find models mid-process — made the final product feel even more significant.
For one of his models, Maddux McDonald, the experience offered a different kind of reward.
“It’s something I would wear every day,” McDonald said about the piece Tiller designed for him. “That’s what makes me love it so much.”
Walking in the show also brought its own benefits and developments.
“This is like a confidence booster,” McDonald said. “Just doing it is a win.”
Despite their different inspirations, each designer ultimately worked toward the same goal: bringing their ideas to life in front of an audience.
The show also recognized standout collections in its senior showcase with awards. Junior Sofia Ragland Melo earned first place, followed by Juniors Ariel Patterson and Shannon Davis in second and third, respectively.
From Baroque-inspired gowns to Western detailing and grunge-influenced streetwear, “Galleries in Motion” highlighted the personal stories behind each piece and the range of creativity within MTSU’s TXMD program.
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