Marymount University Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising & Marketing students transformed Fashion Centre at Pentagon City into a “Secret Garden” of blooming prints and designs at the annual Portfolio in Motion event earlier this month, as captivated spectators watched models bring student designers’ creative visions to life.
Now in its 36th year, Portfolio in Motion breathes new life into past fashion trends and reimagines them with fresh, contemporary energy. From concept to runway, Marymount students organize every aspect of production—including marketing, setup, design, creation and presentation.
“Portfolio in Motion serves as the culmination of our students’ hard work through the academic year,” said Julia Ravindran, Associate Professor of Fashion Design at Marymount University. “This show is entirely student-led with guidance from faculty as they highlight their creativity, technical expertise and innovative designs on a professional stage at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.”
Marymount President Irma Becerra participated herself, modeling two outfits from student designers. She wore sophomore Bria Fisher’s gown on the runway, and later wore an outfit designed by senior Caroline MacDonald while speaking at the podium.
While the show featured works from first-year, sophomore and junior students, it culminated with the presentation of standout collections by MacDonald and fellow Marymount senior Roy Davis, who were inspired by nature and film, respectively. Their work reimagined fashion history in a modern lens, incorporating photos of birds and robust black and white patterns.
“I’ve been working on this collection since last August and it was incredibly rewarding to see the garments come to life,” MacDonald said. “I’m proud that I really encapsulated my design aesthetic in this collection and that I came up with something new and innovative. I hope to continue my own design work with my brand, Allons•y. While I plan to work for other companies, I also want to preserve my own design voice.”
“I was worried I wouldn’t be able to complete it in time. So having all six pieces done, wearable and on the runway felt like a huge accomplishment,” Davis explained. “I’m hopeful this line will open up opportunities for work. Whether it be in film or fashion, I’d love to use these pieces to get my name out there.”
During the show, Marymount honored Washington-based designer Nina McLemore as its 2025 Designer of the Year. Known for her chic, powerful designs, often featuring fine European fabrics and her signature popped collar, she crafts collections that prioritize fit, versatility and confidence. Designing with executive women in mind, she champions fashion as a powerful tool for self-presentation to help women not only secure a seat at the table but to lead.
The show concluded with student achievement awards in the following categories:
- Academic Excellence Award: Caroline MacDonald
- Sister Gabrielle Berg Award for Fashion Design: Roy Davis
- Sister Gabrielle Berg Award for Fashion Merchandising and Marketing: Laila Simmons
- Sister Gabrielle Berg Award for Graphic and Media Design: Faith Reigal
- Portfolio in Motion Award: Caroline MacDonald
- NAMSB Foundation Arthur H. Taylor Award for Excellence in Menswear Design: Marco Rivas and Logan Voigt
- IKEA Excellence in Sustainability Award: Hazel Villafranco Iraheta
- Stand Out Performance in Fashion Merchandising: Isabella Angello
- Stand Out Performance in Fashion Design: Bao Nghi Huynh
