MassArt Fashion Show 2026 Spotlights Design for the Public and the Future
- Press Release
- Fashion Design
Bold, original, and unforgettable—see the next generation of fashion talent take the runway
BOSTON – Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) will present its annual Fashion Show, titled FOR THE PUBLIC, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, celebrating the bold creativity and craftsmanship of its graduating Fashion Design seniors. From concept to runway, each piece reflects the creative vision, technical skill, and individual voice of the next generation of fashion talent.
“The MassArt Fashion Show brings together Boston’s creative community for a night that’s as inspiring as it is impactful,” said Jennifer Varekamp, Chair of Fashion Design at MassArt. “It showcases extraordinary student talent while also raising nearly $100,000 annually and providing meaningful support for the Fashion Design program.”
About the 2026 Fashion Show: FOR THE PUBLIC
The 2026 Fashion Show: FOR THE PUBLIC, will feature senior Fashion Design thesis collections in a high-energy runway presentation at the MassArt Design and Media Center. Showcasing work that ranges from avant-garde statements to wearable art, this presentation highlights the full range and depth of student creativity.
2026 Fashion Show: For The Public
Saturday, May 16
Time: 5:30pm
Location: MassArt Design & Media Center
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Later in the evening, a curated runway will present a selection of standout collections, chosen through a competitive review process by guest curators Theo Tyson, Lana Barakat, Johnny King, Morgan Hill, and Maggie Mahoney. The final selections are made during a full-day review on May 8, when curators will evaluate all 29 collections in person and meet with senior designers.
For The Public, Curated Show
Saturday, May 16
Time: 8pm
Location: MassArt Design & Media Center
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About the Fashion Show Party: Off the Runway
A limited number of tickets are available for the Fashion Show Party, Off the Runway. This pre-show celebration will be held at the MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), bringing together supporters and creative leaders for cocktails, shared conversation, and a closer connection with the designers behind the runway. Following the party, guests are invited to attend the 8pm Curated Fashion Show.
Fashion Show Party: Off the Runway
Saturday, May 16
Time: 6pm party, 8pm fashion show
Location: MassArt Art Museum (MAAM)
Buy tickets
The evening is hosted by MassArt President Mary K. Grant, Fashion Show Party Co-Chairs Ann Gallo and Denise Korn, Vice Chair of the MassArt Board of Trustees, along with the 2026 MassArt Fashion Show Honorary Committee: Jake Abrams, Caroline Collings, MassArt Honorary Foundation Director, Lynn Dale, Robin Hauck, Tali Kwatcher, MassArt Honorary Foundation Director, James Mason ‘81, Associate Provost, Samuel Mazzarelli, Jonathan Soroff, and Lori Sullivan.
“Year after year, this event reflects the strength of the MassArt community and the dedication, craft, and creative ambition of Fashion Design students,” said Ann Gallo, Fashion Show Party Co-Chair. “We are proud to support their growth and help sustain scholarships that promote student success.”
“The MassArt Fashion Show is a powerful reminder of what happens when emerging artists are given the space and support to take risks,” said Denise Korn. “It’s an honor to help champion these students and celebrate their work with a wider audience.”
More than a fun night out, all funds raised at MassArt Fashion Show support student scholarships in one of the country’s longest-standing fashion programs. Join us in cultivating the next generation of designers, stylists, and creative leaders shaping the future of fashion, and experience the energy, vision, and talent of MassArt senior Fashion Design students.
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About MassArt
The only independent public college of art and design in the country, MassArt was founded in 1873 in response to a bold idea: art and design are essential to our daily lives, and key to improving our society and economy. What began as a school to teach drawing is today a bold, comprehensive art and design institution that spans 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs, certificates, continuing education, and post-baccalaureate study.
About MassArt Fashion Design
Since 1907, the MassArt Fashion Design department has been cultivating and nurturing designers, leaders, and artists in the realm of fashion. The program shapes thoughtful, individual, and collaborative designers and makers into creative problem solvers and critical thinkers, equipped with the technical and innovative skills to become reflective agents of change.
MEDIA CONTACT
Temple Gill, Interim Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, tgill@massart.edu
