Brookdale Community College fashion design students dominated the runway at Newark Fashion Week Festival’s Emerging Designers Showcase, taking home first, second, and third place for their original collections. Competing against other rising designers, Brookdale’s students Tyler Krisman (1st place), Hannah Post (2nd place), and Anastasia Kanopka (3rd place), crafted upcycled, sustainable looks that wowed judges and audiences alike.
Each designer was tasked with creating four unique garments, a challenge that took weeks of planning, sewing, and refining before hitting the runway.
A Story in Every Stitch
For first-place winner Tyler Krisman of Colts Neck, the showcase marked his first independent fashion show. His collection, Paper Route, was inspired by early 20th-century paperboys and the resilience of working-class style. “I wanted to show the life in the garment,” Krisman said. “Your clothes tell a story; each tear, cuff, and patch adds character. I wanted my designs to reflect that nostalgia.”
Krisman’s looks featured wool trousers, button-up shirts with signature cuffs, and newspaper-inspired accessories carried by the models, tying the theme together. “It was incredible seeing my collection come to life on the runway,” he said.
His storytelling stood out not only because Paper Route was the only men’s wear line in the competition, but also for the way he brought his vision to life. His models skipped, jumped, and played across the stage, breaking away from the traditional runway walk to embody the energy and spirit of early 20th-century paperboys. “I wanted them to look like they were out living their lives and having fun,” he explained. “It added movement and personality that reflected the theme perfectly.”
Although Paper Route focused on men’s wear, Krisman is expanding his portfolio to include women’s fashion as well. “This program has helped me so much,” he said. “I started sewing only seven months ago, and now I’m building my own brand.”
Krisman plans to continue developing Paper Route into a larger collection while preparing to transfer to the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Romantic Edge Meets Resilience
Second-place winner Hannah Post of Brick found inspiration in romantic gothic aesthetics for her collection, blending darkness and beauty. “I called it a kind of feminine anger,” she explained. “It’s about channeling emotion into creation. Using deep reds, florals, and black lace, I wanted to show something beautiful growing from something raw and intense.”
Post’s garments were built largely from thrifted and repurposed materials, including lace tablecloths and vintage dresses. “Instead of buying new fabric, I tried to use existing materials. It’s more sustainable and gives old things a new life,” she said.
Her favorite piece, a floral embroidered corset, captured by the duality of strength and softness that defined her collection. “Winning second place was incredible,” she said. “It made me realize how much I love the energy of the runway. Seeing your ideas come alive under the lights, it’s unforgettable.”
Post plans to continue her studies in fashion design and hopes to transfer to the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Vintage Soul and Sustainable Vision
Third-place winner Anastasia Kanopka of Howell took a vintage approach with a strong message about sustainability. Her collection, inspired by the 1960s and ’70s silhouettes, was made entirely from upcycled tablecloths and repurposed fabric linings she dyed by hand.
“I wanted to show that you can design a full collection without buying anything new,” Kanopka said. “Fashion doesn’t have to be fast to be beautiful.”
In a dramatic twist, Kanopka ended up modeling two of her own looks after one of her models couldn’t attend. “I had to run backstage, change outfits, and get back on the runway. My zipper even got stuck right before my final walk,” she laughed. “But it all worked out, and it was an amazing experience.”
Kanopka plans to pursue costume design and styling for film, theater, or music after transferring to a four-year fashion program. “This experience gave me the confidence to keep going. Brookdale gave me the foundation I needed to bring my imagination to life.”
A Runway Triumph for Brookdale
Fashion Instructor Sheridan O’Hea said the triple win speaks volumes about the creativity and commitment of Brookdale’s students. “Brookdale had five participants, and they each put in countless hours conceptualizing, designing, sewing, and styling every detail,” O’Hea said. “I am so proud of all of them! It was an incredible moment for our program.”
Brookdale’s Fashion Design program continues to inspire emerging talent defined by creativity, sustainability, and bold storytelling. Mark your calendars for the Fall Fashion Showcase on December 16, 5:00–7:00 p.m., LAH Level 2, featuring new collections from over 20 student designers. Their achievements at Newark Fashion Week are just the beginning of what promises to be another extraordinary season of innovation.