Flattering Art: Designing a MOA Runway Show

February 2026

Last fall design, theatre, and other students showcased their studies in a runway show at the Museum of Art. Each participating student designed a look inspired by one of the paintings in The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce, a traveling exhibition from Puerto Rico that was in Provo from August 2025 until January 2026.

Looks included a full-skirted dress with a gathered bodice and cascading roses that was inspired by Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s Roman Widow and a contemporary gown evoking the apricot-orange warmth and repose of Flaming June by Frederic, Lord Leighton.

The students began creating their looks in 2024 in a sewing class taught by Amber Williams, a family and consumer sciences education professor. For hair and makeup design, the students collaborated with theatre and media arts students and Jennine Hollingshaus, an adjunct faculty member.

Ashley Clinger, a pre-design student, was inspired by the bold colors in Diógenes Ballester’s The Magic of Patchouli and took on the challenge of designing jeans that exuded confidence. “I really wanted my whole piece to incorporate color and strength,” Clinger says, “so I chose bright colors and a material that is strong and sturdy.”

Diana Watson, a student in family and consumer sciences education, saw poverty but also beauty in Landscape with Washerwomen by Fernando Díaz Mackenna. "I wanted my design to be functional [as a nod] to the women . . . washing clothes and working, but also beautiful," Watson says.

The cross-functional and collaborative project enabled students to learn more about applied creativity and team dynamics than they could have in other learning environments. It was a testimony-strengthening experience as well: “Students [refined] their creative skills, which I believe connects them to our creator,” Professor Williams says.