2026 TXMD Runway Show: Galleries in Motion

Guinneth Sintic
Collection: Seraphina

My name is Guinneth Sintic. My senior collection is titled Seraphina. It is a play on the word seraphim, which is the name of biblically accurate angels in the Bible and in Renaissance art. I chose this name to represent femininity and the archetypes of women in Renaissance art. I was inspired by not only the Renaissance but also the Victorian romantic era as well. I think as a woman it is important to explore our history, and I wanted to express how femininity and masculinity are not separate but can flow together like a yin and yang.

Delanie Dempsey
Collection: Quintessential Queerness

My name is Delanie Dempsey and this is my second year having a collection in the fashion show. My collection is titled “Quintessential Queerness,” and is a medieval court with each outfit being inspired by a different pride flag. I wanted to create something fun that celebrated the LGBTQ+ community.

Kailyn Knox

Hello! My name is Kailyn. I am an apparel design student in my senior year at Middle Tennessee State University. As you can imagine, my degree reflects my passion for creativity and the joy of turning ideas into reality. I was inspired by floral and landscape paintings when designing my collection. I wanted to turn that into something wearable, elegant, and classy. I am so thankful and blessed for the opportunity to share my work with you. I hope you enjoy the show!

Bahija Aziz
Collection: Argana

Bahija Aziz is a senior in Textile Merchandising and Design at Middle Tennessee State University, originally from Morocco, whose work reflects a deep connection to heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Her three-look collection, Argana, is inspired by the richness of the Ottoman Empire and its influence on Moroccan dress, particularly the caftan and djellaba. She translates this history into modern design through thoughtful silhouettes and refined detail. The collection features a pale turquoise caftan with gold trim, a layered ensemble with a cloak inspired by Amazigh culture, and a gathered skirt paired with a fitted, lace-detailed top. Designed for formal occasions, including wedding celebrations, her garments can be worn by both guests and brides. Through natural textures, movement, and structure, Bahija’s work explores identity, femininity, and timeless elegance while honoring cultural tradition in a modern way.

Shannon Davis
Collection: Of Roots and Rust

My collection, “Of Roots and Rust,” explores the artistry of dying trades and traditional crafts, particularly woodworking, leatherworking, blacksmithing, and various other forms of metal manipulation. I aim to highlight the craftsmanship involved in creating quality handmade items, showcasing the care put into every stitch, hammer strike, cut, and scrape of sandpaper that touches them. This dedication is evident in the hand-sewn eyelet holes, handcrafted wooden buttons, handmade metal and leather accessories, and of course, in the garments themselves. With this collection, I hope to honor all the artisans who came before me and acknowledge the years they dedicated and the lifetimes they devoted to their crafts and their art.

Roe Brien
Collection: 天堂 Rising

Roeann’s collection is called “天堂 Rising,” which translates to “heaven” in Mandarin. It is an extremely personal collection about Roe’s journey to heaven, or a better version of herself, featuring her four zodiac signs: Sun, Moon, Star, and Rising. Each sign coincidentally corresponds with its naturalistic element (Virgo is an Earth sign, Leo is a Fire sign, Cancer is a Water sign, and Aquarius is an Air sign) — this is purely coincidental, based on the exact time Roe was born. Each piece is a transformative piece, meaning something will change within the garment on stage. The meaning is to symbolize rebirth and growth from the “old you,” changing and transforming into a newer version. Each garment also features chains to represent being physically chained to the past and trying to break away from it. The collection is an ode to self-discovery and self-love — it’s about growing into the best version of yourself and rising to a higher calling.

Callie Gobble
Collection: Sunniva

Sunniva, meaning “gift of the sun,” is inspired entirely by sunlight. My inspiration when making clothes has always come back to nature, so for my senior showcase, I wanted to pay homage to the source of all life. I made my designs to convey vitality, warmth, and radiance, and chose people in my life that I feel represent these qualities to model them. Beyond the aesthetic, the silhouette and texture are derived from Greco-Roman marble statues. With the theme being based around art and art museums, I immediately thought of these sculptures. I’ve always been amazed at how the artists were able to make solid marble look so soft and flowing. I incorporated this through fabrics that emulate chiffon and satin, while also including structured fabrics like denim and brocade as reminders of the marble itself. Overall, Sunniva is a celebration of the beauty of life and humanity.

Ariel Patterson
Collection: Etherealism

My name is Ariel Patterson. The theme of my collection is called Etherealism. It is defined as an art movement and style that emphasizes qualities of beauty, spirituality, and a delicate, otherworldly nature, often in contrast to materialism. In a philosophical context, it relates to ideas of transcendentalism and idealism, focusing on non-physical, spiritual, or abstract concepts. It can describe something that seems heavenly, divine, and unrelated to practical, earthly matters. Stained glass is used as an inspiration for this collection. Stained glass lamps are a popular decorative choice for their intricate details and the vibrancy they bring to a space. They convey emotions of joy, comfort, and a whimsical feeling.

Sofia Ragland
Collection: Azulejos

Sofía Ragland Melo has been sewing and designing her personal wardrobe since 2020 and is ecstatic to share her first collection, Azulejos. This collection is an exploration of the beauty and artistry observed in travel, especially inspired by the designer’s own experience of life abroad in the Mediterranean region. With floral prints, muted colors, and asymmetrical layers, Azulejos captures the serenity of an escapist travel fantasy.

Abigail Linville

My collection is inspired by dance in all its forms. From ballet to disco, this collection shows the beauty of the body and how it collaborates with clothing. From the movement of the fabric to the movement of the body, all of it is art.

Faith White
Collection: Autumn in Transit

I am a fashion design senior originally from Akron, Ohio, but I have lived in Nashville for nearly seven years. Fashion, art, and music have been passions of mine since childhood, as I drew a lot and sang in various choirs and vocal groups. I am thrilled to use the skills I developed at MTSU to help women find stylish clothing that makes them feel good as they accomplish their goals. Autumn in Transit is inspired by textile art, bohemian fashion, and the busy New York lifestyle, and combines flowy fabrics and ornate patterns with classic garment details.

Katelyn Byars
Collection: Built from the Break

Katelyn Byars is a senior apparel design student with a minor in entrepreneurship and an aspiring fashion designer driven by a commitment to learning and evolving within the industry. Her collection, Built from the Break, explores the intersection of fashion and art as a vehicle for cultural expression. Through the integration of distinct artistic elements, her designs reflect the richness of her heritage — celebrating the culture, creativity, and community that shape her identity. Her work transforms garments into moving galleries, telling a story that is both deeply personal and collectively shared.

Cameron Hodel
Collection: Ardent Demise

My name is Cameron Hodel, and I am a senior at MTSU for apparel design. My collection, “Ardent Demise,” is a punk-inspired take on medieval knights and aestheticism featuring chainmail, plaids, and an elegant, gothic touch. Though focusing on the very dark, moody aspects of devotion, I was ultimately inspired by the art that comes from love that drives people to behave fiercely and protectively towards those they admire.

Karena Prince
Collection: Dynamic Flow

My collection, Dynamic Flow, consists of ready-to-wear pieces that focus on clean, sharp, and tailored silhouettes. The inspiration for this collection was based on the smooth and detailed lines found in architecture. The combination of dark and light tones has been incorporated to create a contrasting yet balanced look. The classic style reflected in each ensemble shows that clothes do not have to be flamboyant or sensational to be appealing; rather, a modern, simple style can be just as impactful. Fashion can come in many forms, and with this collection, I aim to highlight a bold, contemporary style that makes a statement.

Cordelia Foxx
Collection: House of the Living Muses

As a Black designer, Cordelia Foxx brings a grounded sense of identity to her work, drawing inspiration from the designers and cultural visionaries who paved the way before her. She has a strong ability to translate emotion and lived experience into designs that tell a story with pieces that feel expressive, whimsical, and intentional. What sets her apart is her calm communication style and her empathy. Her collection, “House of the Living Muses,” reimagines three classical art forms — Painting, Sculpture, and Fashion — as members of a regal Black dynasty, transforming the gallery space into a living royal court. The collection celebrates the brilliance, visibility, and emotional depth of Black creatives who have historically been underrepresented in these cultural arenas.

Yeni Franco

I am Yeni Franco, a passionate Apparel Design student at MTSU. From an early age I have been fascinated by how clothing can shape and express personality. My collection was inspired by the balance of structure and softness, creating garments that embody modern elegance. It explores the concept of soft elegance, incorporating princess seams to achieve a flattering and sculpted fit. The collection features a black poly linen top paired with brown poly linen pants offering a refined look, a mint green silk dress, and a blue strapless jacquard dress that adds texture. Each piece was designed to make the wearer feel confident, polished, and comfortable.

Maryangel Tobaldo
Collection: Pachucos

My collection is titled Pachucos. Pachucos were a 1930s–1940s group of young Mexican Americans who used fashion as a form of resistance. They wore long, flamboyant suits — also known as zoot suits — that many white Americans deemed “unpatriotic” because of a wartime fabric shortage. I chose to create a zoot suit-inspired collection with beautiful fabrics as a similar form of resistance and to showcase the beauty of my culture.

Ashley Davis
Collection: Echoes of the Eternal Muse

I’m Ashley Davis, a Tennessee-based designer whose work is deeply rooted in faith, creativity, and a love for nature. My collection, Echoes of the Eternal Muse, is a celebration of God-given femininity, expressed through modest, elegant silhouettes inspired by the softness of Monet and the refinement of the Victorian era. The name reflects its meaning: “echoes” as a reflection of God’s beauty in my life, “eternal” to honor that He was, is, and always will be, and “muse” to express Him as the ultimate source of inspiration behind both my work and my life. Drawing from nature — God’s own creation — my designs echo the gentle movement, color, and light found in impressionist landscapes. Delicate ruffles, flowing skirts, and structured details reflect a timeless vision of femininity that is both graceful and intentional, honoring the beauty and dignity of women through thoughtful coverage and form. Rooted in faith, each piece is created to reflect a deeper, enduring elegance inspired by Him.

Mabel Adams
Collection: Axiom

My name is Mabellie Adams and I am a Junior at MTSU studying apparel design. My collection, themed Axiom, is inspired by the idea that truth and understanding shape everything we build. Blending the bold elegance of Art Deco with a subtle nod to Proverbs 24:3–4, which reminds us that through wisdom a house is built, the collection reflects purpose, intention, and strength. Each piece is meant to express more than style — it tells a story about values and identity. This show is my way of exploring how fashion can embody principles, much like an axiom guides thought, and how design can inspire confidence, reflection, and presence in those who experience it.

Lily Cross
Collection: Morbidezza

Morbidezza is an Italian term used to describe delicacy or softness in a painting. My collection explores a coexistence of darkness and delicacy. Drawing from the visual language of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the iconography of medieval fantasy, my collection renders women in this style, using garment and silhouette to evoke their languid beauty and the gothic atmosphere.

Grant Tiller
Collection: Past Emotions

My name is Grant Tiller, and I am an upcoming senior in the Apparel Design Program. My collection for this year is titled “Past Emotions.” I wanted to create modernized looks inspired by grunge fashion and the 90s, centering in on how these styles made people feel. The era of grunge took off and became widespread like never before. The music, clothing, and energy of the time period spoke to the world in a different way. People began to relate to emotions and ideals spread by famous bands of the time, creating a wave of newfound individuality.

Zoe Grummons
Collection: Pantheon Ethos

Zoe Grummons found her passion in design when her grandmother taught her how to sew. From then on, it developed into a way for her to express herself and her passions. Zoe’s collection is named “Pantheon Ethos,” which translates to “the god’s spirit.” It’s based on the ancient Greek gods reborn in a modern world. It’s filled with color and intensity and blends centuries of styles together.

Gloria Chu
Collection: Streetwalk

My name is Gloria Chu, and I am a junior at MTSU. My collection is titled Streetwalk and includes four ensembles. It’s based on streetwear looks with a combination of Baroque style architecture, ornamentation, and regal colors. I focused on detailed embellishments, beading, denim fabric, and corsetry. Each look was made to be structural with a mix of urban comfort.

Abby Ruesewald
Collection: Amygdala

“Amygdala” takes its name from the region of the brain responsible for emotional processing — particularly fear, anxiety, and aggression. As my final collection at MTSU, I wanted to look back on the way these emotions have shaped my life. Each of the four ensembles represents how different relationships impact this region of the brain: familial, personal, romantic, and mortality. Through this collection, I aim to entice the viewer’s memory and emotions, offering a sense of familiarity and perseverance during uncertain times.

Ella Schultz – Co-Director Collection: Amarillo Rose

My name is Ella Schultz and I am a Senior in the Apparel Design program. This year’s collection, entitled “Amarillo Rose,” is inspired by my love for Western fashion and its often-overlooked Native American and Mexican influences. It will include elements of Western style that I admire, including fringe, silhouettes, lacing, and beading. My collection seeks to embody traditional aspects of Western fashion without overlooking the modern; it is a celebration of all the different cultures that have come together to form this style. As a Persian-American, I also seek to honor my heritage by combining the styles that influence me the most.

Fashion is a place where different cultures meet, its beauty derived from our differences.

Annelise Hamada
Collection: Hamadeh

“Hamadeh” is a blend of the deco art style of the 1920s and modern styles inspired by Lebanese fashion and its ornate character. The two styles work hand in hand to create an energetic yet elegant formal-wear collection, celebrating the unique beauty of the combination of two cultures. This collection is a representation of my personal style and the continuous inspiration I draw from being an American-Lebanese child.

Travis Patterson
Collection: Primordial

Primordial transforms the urban landscape into a living exhibition where the wearer becomes the artwork. Each piece functions as a moving canvas frame — structured yet fluid forms that shift with light, motion, and environment, celebrating the idea that style, like art, is never static.