Designers, models and spectators – including Marymount University students and alumni – filled the National Building Museum in Washington last month for a runway show that celebrated the creativity and innovation of the interior design field. With both current and former Saints involved, Marymount’s presence highlighted its strong influence in the profession and provided students with inspiring connections to successful graduates now thriving in the industry.
Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the Cosmo Couture fashion show – held in the D.C. area every two years – features local designers who team up with manufacturers to create garments from interior design materials. This year’s looks were based on an “Out of this World” theme.
Through Marymount’s capital location and close relationship with IIDA, many Interior Architecture and Design students have participated in the Cosmo Couture show over the years. This year, alumna Viviane Pedruco ‘22 – an interior designer at Perkins&Will – recruited current Marymount senior Christianna Tran to join her company’s Cosmo Couture team.
Starting in August, Tran spent every Monday afternoon at the Perkins&Will office in D.C. helping the team ideate, sketch and plan their garment.
“We came up with an idea for a multicolored cape made from folded fabric provided by our sponsor, the textile manufacturer Maharam,” Tran said. “What was amazing was how I was never treated like just an intern or a volunteer. I was able to share my ideas and see them implemented, which was incredible. It was so rewarding and fulfilling to see how it came together and to watch our model wear the garment alongside the other amazing designs that people in the industry had created.”
Sophomore Mia Yao, who worked on a team for AECOM and Coakley & Williams Construction, built her ‘Digital Aura’ look from aluminum frames, rubber gaskets and reflective materials. She, too, was proud to watch her piece get its time in the spotlight.
“This was very much out of my comfort zone but it turned out to be such a beneficial experience,” Yao said. “I gained insights into what working at a design firm would be like and built many great industry connections. It was an awesome way to blend a valuable work experience with some fun!”
This was also true for fellow sophomore Michelle Olivar, who said working with professionals from FORM Architects and Geiger to create a piece called ‘Dream State’ out of furniture hardware allowed her to push creative boundaries.
“I was mainly in charge of helping make the headpiece on our garment. We tried a lot of different versions to make something functional that also wouldn’t cause our model to fall over. It was lots of long hours and trial and error, but it turned out great and I’m proud of that,” Olivar reflected. “It was a great networking opportunity because now I’m connected to all of these professionals at FORM and we are talking about what interests me and how I might be able to work with them in the future as an assistant or intern. So that will open up many doors for me as I continue my studies!”
Pedruco said when the next Cosmo Couture comes around, she will be excited to continue collaborating with Marymount students.
“I believe in paying it back. Marymount gave me so much and allowed me to make a successful career change in the middle of my life. I owe so much to the program and am always looking for ways to give back,” Pedruco explained. “If any student has the chance to participate in something like this that gets you connected to people in your industry, do it. The relationships you build are so valuable and just that one opportunity can change your life and the course of your career if you let it.”
“The whole community comes together for this event,” Tran said. “I knew many people on other teams, so I enjoyed cheering on their designs as they walked the runway. It’s so amazing to go to events like this and be part of such a strong and supportive community.”
