W: Dolly Height
ATLANTA — In a sprawling display of technical prowess and unfiltered imagination, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) recently debuted its 2025 Graduate Fashion Show. Featuring 170 looks from 53 student designers representing both the Savannah and Atlanta campuses, the event served as more than a commencement ceremony—it was a high-octane forecast of where the global fashion industry is headed.
As major fashion weeks in New York and Paris lean increasingly toward commercial "wearability," the SCAD runway remains a sanctuary for the avant-garde. This year’s cohort proved that "student work" is no longer a synonym for "unfinished." Instead, the Class of 2025 presented collections that were market-ready, culturally resonant, and technically impeccable.
The 2025 showcase was defined by a sophisticated tension between tradition and subversion. Designers moved beyond simple silhouettes, utilizing the school’s cross-disciplinary resources to incorporate custom textiles, 3D-printed hardware, and sustainable fabrications.
Several designers emerged as clear "ones to watch," displaying a level of craftsmanship usually reserved for established ateliers:
- Sara Xuereb: Captured the audience’s attention with sculptural eveningwear that appeared to mimic "frozen splashes" of water. Her ability to manipulate boning into fluid, organic shapes showcased a mastery of structural engineering.
- Elizabeth Erhardt: Representing the pinnacle of the "circular fashion" movement, Erhardt’s "Spirits of a House" collection utilized deconstructed porcelain plates and thrifted upholstery, turning domestic relics into hauntingly beautiful couture.
- Logan Fluharty: Offered a moody, film-noir-inspired vision for menswear. Utilizing vinyl trenches and mesh overlays, Fluharty’s work felt ready for a Rick Owens or Raf Simons showroom.
- Kieva Brady: Brought a poetic touch to the runway with "It Always Rains in Ireland." Her knitwear, embellished with crystal "raindrops," demonstrated how personal heritage can be translated into luxury tactile experiences.
The SCAD 2025 show confirmed that the next generation of designers is not interested in the status quo. They are prioritizing circularity, identity, and narrative-driven design. By blending high-concept artistry with the technical skills required for mass-market success, these 53 designers have sent a clear message: the future of fashion is in very capable hands.
