Alumni, students ‘pause and reflect’ during annual FACS Fashion Show

Inspired by the word “Selah,” the Hebrew word from the Psalms meaning to pause and reflect, 10 alumni returned to showcase fashion designs alongside 17 students during the 20th annual FACS Fashion Show hosted by the Liberty University Department of Family & Consumer Sciences.

The show’s title, SELAH: Reflecting a Legacy of Fashion, gave this year’s designers a chance to reflect on their inspiration for fashion and honor past students and faculty.

“This year is very different from past shows; we really wanted to focus on the pause aspect and what it means to reflect on past shows or your own spiritual walk with the Lord,” said Kim Cashman, assistant professor for FACS and faculty advisor for the event.

The event started with a prayer led by special guests Loni Mbele and Shemara Barrett who are Miami chapter representatives of the non-profit, Models for Christ and co-founders of Not Just Sunday. Not Just Sunday exists to promote biblically inspired living with practicality and style in the fashion industry.

Afterward, the show began with student designs, and 20 models walked the stage sporting unique apparel, from dramatic ball gowns to everyday wear, whimsical garments, and more.

After a brief intermission and a reading of Psalm 67 by sophomore Ashley Heller, social media coordinator and prayer shepherd for the fashion show, FACS Professor Matalie Howard was presented with a floral bouquet to honor her as the founder of the FACS fashion show 20 years ago.

The show designers then explained the inspiration behind their work.

“A really big part of the show is hearing how they came up with their ideas, and the goal is really to honor and glorify God,” Cashman said before the show. “Faith and fashion can really merge well together in a beautiful way. It’s not just a flashy runway; its hearing the designer’s hearts and seeing that they want to honor God in what they do.”

Grace Hawley, a junior dual majoring in fashion design and fashion merchandising won Best in Design with a dress showcasing flowing blue fabric and a liquid and reflective look with a sparkling beaded waistline imitating the sunlight. She said she was inspired by the movement and reflection of water.

“Growing up in Maine, I always enjoyed spending time in the coastline and spending time in the quiet beauty of the ocean,” Hawley said. “Watching the sun reflect across the ocean has always brought me a sense of peace and stillness. God’s creation constantly reminds me of His goodness and serves as a constant source of inspiration.”

Isobella Mary Mercedes Jameson, a model for the show, wore a black off the shoulder hoop skirt gown designed by Madeline Anderson as part of a three-garment collection.

“Our theme of reflection has allowed me a deeper understanding of waiting on the Lord,” Jameson said. “Just as Isaiah 40:31 says, ‘But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ Walking as a model for Christ, I’ve reflected on my waiting and hope in the Lord and seen the blessing He’s given me to walk with strength in His name.”

After the students, the 10 alumni were given time to showcase their designs, some choosing a model to present their design and some wearing the garment themselves. Alumni Leah Autry (’22) had her mother model her blue evening gown design, made from 100% cotton and featuring an elegant bow in the back.

“When asked to create a piece on refection, I chose to look back on my decade-long journey as a designer,” she said during her speech. “And I chose to have it modeled by the one person who was there for all of it: my mom.”

In all, 14 awards were presented. The 19 judges included professors, professional designers, and business owners. Each entry earned design and construction points throughout the production process that factored into the night’s scores. There were 11 awards for designers (see full list below) and three for models.

Shanti Berryman, a senior majoring in professional and creative industries won Best Use of Reflection with a gown representing the armor of God. The gown was constructed in a deep gold silk fabric with a blue-green waist sash. Berryman’s model, Molly Dan, held a sword to her side as she walked across the stage.

“My design was inspired by Selah because it reflects who we are in Christ,” Berryman said. “It’s based on the armor of God in Ephesians 6. I wanted to focus on the way Christ strengthens us and clothes us in his mercy and grace. I was also really inspired by a Dior look that felt very structured, the lines were very elegant and clean like armor.”

Cashman said the show was a huge success, and the students’ designs will help jumpstart many of their careers.

“I hope the designers are impacted in their technical experience as they build their own portfolio and develop their skills career wise. But the main goal is for them to spiritually grow in their walk with the Lord,” Cashman said. “Especially since we had a biblical theme this year, it helped them to slow down, pause, and reflect. I hope the audience experienced that fashion can be for God’s glory.”

2026 Fashion Show Design Winners

Best in Formal Wear: Camryn McCarthy

Best in Ready to Wear: Aaron Pait

Best Use of Color: Ella Emery

Best Use of Texture: Eunjin Kim

Most Fashion Forward: Landon Schliesing

Audience Choice Award: Allison Armbruster

Best Garment Construction: Allison Blevins

Best Collection Award: Alison Curtis

Rising Designer Award: Sidney-Clay Moser

Best Design: Grace Hawley

Best Use of Refection Award: Shanti Berryman