On Saturday, June 12, eighteen talented young designers were given a chance to strut their stuff at Rock the Runway at Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City.

Emcee Nena Ivon hosted the event for a crowd of over 100 guests, who enjoyed a complimentary champagne bar and grooved to the music of Button. Top prize, which included a behind-the-scenes tour at world-renowned design school FIT in New York, went to Fraley Le from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago. Le's cascading gowns featured a bright green palette, brushstroke-like construction, and wearability and craftsmanship that wowed the judges.

First runner-up was Kelsy Nixon of Columbia College Chicago, who has interned with Michael Kors. Second runner-up was Seth Meyerink-Griffin, whose soft, feminine silhouettes were a departure from his usual preference for sturdy, daily-wear clothing. Meyerink-Griffin attends the School of the Art Institute in Chicago.

Thanks to all the designers, models, judges and guests who made Rock the Runway a success!

Deanna Ansara

Inspired by historical costuming, my designs are structured, wearable art which is very well fitted and compliments the body.

Lizz Bassinger

I’m inspired by architecture, geometry, colors and narrative. My goal is to execute finely crafted garments and accessories, which explore the unity between comfort and style.

Mary Eve Brothers

Inspired by the culture and the motion of the world, my first small collection can be described as “elegant ballerina meets harsh blown glass.”

Katy Daker

My design aesthetic has emerged into chic, sophisticated and urban women’s wear with an edge. My garments are aimed at making women feel sexy and confident no matter what the occasion.

Jessica Dusel

I pride myself on strong attention to detail as well as my love for the classic. My designs are practical yet interesting—I want to make them affordable for everyone.

Ryan Goldner

I am interested in going into costume design and am currently a costume intern at Ballet Chicago.

Bese Zeynep Guzeldere

I am Turkish-American, which is where I drew inspiration for my current collection.

Eunyoung Joo

It is my belief that my garments can maintain qualities to please a target while still attracting the attention of groups with diverse tastes.

Neha Khanna

Best described as contemporary, elegant and fun, my collections are a confluence of Indian and western influences.

Katie King

In my work I attempt to create garments that capture a sense of forgotten wildness and allow the wearer to become a part of untamed nature.

Shruti Kirti

I gravitate towards silhouettes that are unstructured and incorporate sharp angles and clean lines.

Sally Jean Lanners

I recently rediscovered my love of sculpture—and what would be more interesting then creating sculptures on the human form?

Fraley Le

I love art, painting, drawing and sketching. I am easily inspired by everything from the beauty of the forest, or rainbows, to music and the movement of dancers.

Seth Meyerink-Griffin

I do not see myself as being an artist in the ‘pure’ sense of the word; I may have an artistic vision, but I am a craftsman first and foremost.

Kelsy Nixon

I was sewing in my free time and swallowed a needle. Sitting in the emergency room with a needle in my stomach, I decided to pursue a career in fashion.

Courtney O’Neal

A textile and apparel design major, several of my garments have been included in judged shows at Western Michigan University.

Dora Theodoroupolos

I studied abroad at AIU in London in 2009, taking various fashion design courses including menswear and millinery. My designs reflect my experience as a tailor.

La Tonya Williams

Not everyone has a passion so strong that they are willing to step out on faith to pursue it. But fashion school was everything I dreamed of and more.