MILWAUKEE — The CREO fashion show at Mount Mary University will look much different this year for a few reasons.

It will be virtual, like nearly every college in the country has had to do. It also is the first time students are tackling social issues through their designs.

“It’s very important to push our students to think about that and to think about who their customer could actually be,” said Assistant Professor Jessica Frantal. “Who are the underserved customers and who are the people they can really make change for?”

Students were presented with three challenges: gender neutrality, sustainability, and body positivity. They had to make clothes that embodied these three social issues.

Sustainability was their last challenge and was presented to them through utilizing recycled denim.  

“Sustainability has been in my family for a long time,” said Mako Shidad, a junior. “I mostly got things handed down to me and I’m designing this denim project for my younger sister, as a hand-me-down to her.”

Mako is Somali and plans to open a bridal company just for Somali women when she graduates. She says her culture is often overlooked in the fashion world.

“I want to put my culture on the map,” I plan to make my senior capstone a collection of Somali bridal wear as well.”

Asma Dasan is Palestinian and echoes the same sentiments about what most people see as traditional fashion. It does not represent who she is and she wants to change that.

“This is one of the main reasons why I did fashion design because I’m tall, but I’m not skinny,” Asma said. “If I do find nice clothes, they’re way too baggy, way too tight, or way too short.”

She admits she had a difficult time starting out pursuing this career because of her culture.  

“I have to get up every morning and be the person I know I want to be in the future because other people don’t see me for who I am,” Asma said. “I’m fortunate enough to be able to touch fabric and to sew and put things together.”

Professor Frantal adds that the pandemic has led to many designers exploring alternate methods of creating fashion.

“That’s what we wanted to replicate this semester for our students,” she said. “Whether that’s not being able to go to your local fabric store, or source the materials you’re looking for, or not having the same workforce.”

The classes of 2020 and 2021 will host a virtual fashion show in May. The 2020 show was cancelled due to the pandemic. There will be more than 100 pieces of clothing featured.