A Student Talent Showcase

Clary Runway 2017

Clary Sage Fashion Design Alum Cristhian Aguirre (left) walks the runway during the 2016 Clary Runway event. Photos courtesy of Clary Sage College

For many students at Clary Sage College, designing for a fashion show was beyond their wildest dreams. They grew up playing with paper dolls, dressing their Barbies, and helping their parents pick out clothes in the mornings. For these students, fashion design is more than a profession – it is their passion. This month, their visions become reality, as Clary Sage hosts their sixth annual Clary Runway.
Dyana Harrison, fashion design department head, started the fashion design department at Clary Sage, and looks forward to the culmination of each year’s program at the show. “Our fashion show is very special. It’s hands-on experience in the fashion industry from start to finish. Most importantly, it allows students to showcase their dreams through their work to their friends, family, instructors and community, Harrison said. “There’s nothing like the excitement after the show. The students have truly taken their ideas from concept to completion.”
This year, the event will be held at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, adding a touch of vintage, artsy charm. Clary Runway will feature music, food and drink, raffles and, of course, a fashion show. A number of students’ work will be showcased throughout the evening, from interior design to hair and makeup. Not only will the event be exciting and inspiring, it’s also a great opportunity to give back to the Tulsa community. Each ticket’s proceeds go directly into scholarship funds for Community Higher Ed’s programs: Clary Sage College, Community Care College and Oklahoma Technical College.
Clary Runway is the premier fundraising event for the organization. Last year, Community Higher Ed gave nearly $500,000 away to deserving students. Without these scholarships, many students wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to school and transform their lives. “At Clary Sage, we see so much growth in our students. Seeing their success after months of hard work is incredibly rewarding,” said campus director Dr. Raye Mahlberg. “Clary Runway is a great opportunity for the Tulsa community to invest in students and support the local arts. The community truly helps these students achieve their dreams.”
Clary Runway will take you on a fashion journey from ages past. “We’re featuring designs that are relevant today, inspired by the past, and give a glimpse of fashion of the future,” Harrison said.
Clary Runway will take place on September 16 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50, and can be purchased online at www.claryrunway.com.

All the designs on display at the event are created and modeled by present and former students of Clary Sage College.