Each student will present five or six outfits they're required to complete as part of the two-year certificate program. The garments range from evening wear, to lightly tailored office attire, bathing suits, bustiers, and foundations, unisex groupings, lingerie, and even jumpsuit uniforms, according to Fashion Design program head Gayle Ramsden.

"This is a talented group of young designers," Ramsden says. "They have a fresh approach and the style lines are really diverse.

They all have very different personalities and it shows in the styles."

In addition to the graduate work, which reflects the skills and abilities acquired throughout the program, Absolute Style 2003 will also highlight projects developed by students enrolled in the Textiles option.

"There will be prints, surface textures, denims, surface design, screen printing…all sorts of different workings with textiles," she explains.

There are 16 graduating students and Ramsden estimates the audience should see about 130 outfits during Absolute Style 2003, accessorized with hats and other apparel. The audience will be treated to a wide range of styles and outfits, she says.

"Many of these styles are tailored toward the traditional market while some of these students' designs are wild, crazy, and adventurous. But they are trying to reflect forecasted fashion trends," Ramsden says.

While the show is meant as a chance for students to profile their work, there's more to it than that.

"We want students to demonstrate the functional application of fashion," she adds. "But the show is not just about their final line. We also want to highlight the complexities and strengths of this program."

Along with two fashion shows on April 24, one at 2:30 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m., the Fashion Design program will also host an open house all afternoon until 5 p.m. This will give visitors a chance to view working drawings, line books, portfolios and also highlight the work of first-year students.

"People will be able to see pattern drafts, surface design, static displays, and garments to become aware of the broad range of the program," Ramsden adds.

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