The 39th annual Silver Needle Runway was held on May 20, 2025, highlighting the work of senior fashion design students and those in the fashion show production class at Marist College. The event took place in McCann Arena, where more than 2,000 tickets were sold, raising $45,000 for the Fashion Scholarship Fund through ticket sales and donations.
Attendees explored student-designed collections and visited the MPorium pop-up shop. Sales at MPorium increased by 8% compared to last year’s event. Measure Magazine also saw a significant boost, with a 45% increase from its previous launch.
Jennifer Finn, Chair of the Fashion Department, acknowledged the contributions of everyone involved in organizing the evening. “Tonight, we celebrate the fashion department’s hallmark experiential learning opportunities that actively engage students and prepare them for a strong college to career path that puts theory into practice,” Finn said.
A total of 27 senior Fashion Design majors presented their capsule collections. Several designers used their collections to reflect personal stories and highlight themes such as heritage and sustainability.
Fashion industry professionals attended as judges after reviewing portfolios before the runway show. Judges included Luke Hall, Vice President of Design at Ann Taylor Factory and Loft Outlet; Julia Luff, Textile and Concept Designer at Free People; and Francesca Liberatore, Creative Director of her own brand.
At the end of the event, Francesca Liberatore presented Hanna Beth Lee with the Designer of the Year award for their collection titled “Tailor Made: The Romance of Old Clothes.” Liberatore commented on Lee’s achievement: “This student has shaped their collection in the same way they’ll shape their career.”
The show began with a performance by students from the Marist Music Department orchestra and featured a rotating stage for seamless transitions between collections.
Before awarding Hanna Beth Lee, Liberatore addressed Marist students: “I believe in the possibility that this University gives to you as students, and the effort of all your professors to drive your creativity and education to a higher standard. I believe in all of you to be the shape a great future with the great things Marist is providing you,” she said.
