CINCINNATI — How far could you make $20 stretch?

University of Cincinnati students were tasked to see how far they could, creating designs for an annual runway show that brings creativity and community impact to the forefront. 

If it’s one thing Josslyn Glore knows, it’s fashion.  

“If I had to put my own fashion sense in one word, I wouldn’t want to be basic, but I’d say chic,” Glore said. 

It comes as no surprise that her love for clothing fueled her desire to design.

“I would also design Barbie clothes on the side when I was like 6 or 7, give or take,” she said. 

She's upgraded from making garments for dolls to humans and is a third year Fashion Design student at The University of Cincinnati. Her current project, a corset top and skirt combo made up of six leather purses, will be revealed at this year’s annual St. Vincent de Paul RetroFittings Fashion Show. 

Forty-five students are working on designs following the “Better Together” theme this year. Each student was given only a $20 voucher to shop for items at SVDP locations. 

“It was a pretty bold choice because I had never worked with leather before,” Glore said. “These clasps are just purse clasps that keep it closed. I got to see how they could be used as fashion closures which was really interesting to do.” 

The runaway show is a collaboration between UC’s School of Design at DAAP and SVDP, using thrifted pieces to promote sustainable fashion.

Proceeds from the show are pumped right back into the community to support St. Vincent de Paul’s programming.

“What that looks like is homelessness prevention, our 14 network pantries giving out food to our community, as well as our charitable pharmacies,” Vice President of External Relations Kaytlynd Lainhart said. “More people are coming to us needing help, and we get to be that hope and that lifeline.” 

 UC Fashion Design Program Coordinator & Associate Professor Zachary Hoh said that the show is not only an opportunity to showcase just how talented their students are but also demonstrate what the potential future of fashion might look like. 

“I think a lot of the things you’ll see on the runway at Retrofitting this year really do come from a unique, individual, and personal perspective that our students are looking through," said Hoh.

Josslyn’s bold decision actually paid off. Her garment won her second place in the scholarship competition, and she'll be modeling her own design for the show. She said that the scholarship funds will help her get one step closer to launching her own clothing brand. 

“It’s a lot of firsts, but it’s a really enlightening experience and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” she said.  

Last year, the show raised over $200,000. The show returns this Thursday, Oct. 24, at Cincinnati Music Hall at 6 p.m.