Special to the Enquirer  

 Apparel design students at The University of Alabama made the most of an opportunity to showcase their work and raise money to help those in need. 

Called Fashion for Life, the show featured eight senior designers from the College of Human Environmental Sciences who shared their final collections in front of friends, family and members of the community at the historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa. Estee Lauder Companies, who helped sponsor the event matched funds raised by the student-run show for the United Way of West Alabama. 

Fashion for Life is an annual culminating experience for senior apparel design students. Student designers use knowledge and skills gained from their years of study to meet the challenge of this experiential learning event. The collection development process and production of the show itself mirror what students will encounter once they enter the apparel industry after graduation. 

This year’s designers were Grace Carmack, Hartselle; Julia Wolfe Deters, Louisville, Ky.; Madie Hollingsworth, Salt Lake City, Utah; Shakira Lewis, Montgomery; Linda Rose Manginelli, Narberth, Pa.; Abbie Saul, Cumming, Ga.; Lindsay Stock, Doylestown, Pa.; Claudia J. Wolfe, Orange County, Calif. 

Carmack is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree as a Senior Apparel and Textiles Design major at The University of Alabama. Through the Apparel and Textiles Design program, she has excelled in collection development, croquis illustration and sourcing fabric and sustainable materials. Her experience in the food and retail industry has expanded her skill set in customer service, reliability, punctuality, and conflict resolution all while in a high-pressure environment. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in childrenswear.