KINGSTON, R.I. – March 27, 2026 – The late Giorgio Armani once told British Vogue magazine that fame was not what pushed him toward his successful path in fashion, nor was it money.
“Making things: that’s what has always motivated me,” said Armani, who died on Sept. 4, 2025, at the age of 91.
That ethos of making now drives nearly a dozen University of Rhode Island students, whose work will be showcased during this year’s Spring Splash Fashion Event, set for Sunday, April 26. Tickets are now on sale for the show, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., inside the Memorial Union Ballroom, 50 Lower College Road on the Kingston Campus.
The show represents months of work by students in URI’s Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design who have carefully handmade and produced their designs over the course of the academic year.
“I think we have a really amazing group,” said Susan Hannel, an associate professor in the department, which is part of the URI College of Business. “Every year, the show gets a little better than year before. I have some really good pattern makers and sewers in this year’s group.”
Each annual fashion show reflects a diversity of styles created by students, Hannel says 11 students will present about 30 garments at this year’s event.
The pieces will also serve as part of students’ final grades. Instead of students creating their garments as part of an independent study, this year students were able to enroll in a course designed to support their collection-building process.
Hannel also sewed in deadlines to support students preparing for the show. The deadlines proved essential for senior Alyvia Caruso, who is from Gorham, Maine.
“Having these deadlines for when to complete an ensemble is stressful now, but it’s going to be so nice to have them done in time for Spring Splash versus working until 2 in the morning to finish them,” Caruso said.
The show provides students a platform to display their creations in an engaging and imaginative manner. Through the class, they manage every step of the process, from design and fabric selection to choosing models.
Caruso’s collection, which features denim garments with handprinted fabric, will be modeled by her roommates.
“I’m just drawn to denim because it’s stayed relevant for so long,” Caruso said. “I grew up on a farm in Maine, so I feel especially connected to American workwear because I’ve been surrounded by animals and hardworking people my entire life.”
That hard work and drive is what led Caruso to want to take part in the fashion show. One of the more unexpected challenges for her has been making adjustments throughout the design process—ensuring proper fit and refining the garments to make sure they reflect her initial illustrations. While challenging, she described that process as deeply rewarding, a test of both patience and skill.
“I feel like this process has been super rewarding. Pushing myself and forcing myself to step outside of my comfort zone, and ultimately participate Spring Splash, has been my favorite part,” Caruso said.
Though she has never attended Spring Splash, Caruso shares Armani’s focus on the act of making. She said she is most excited to see her finished work on the runway, including a skirt-and-top combination and a jacket-and-skirt set.
“I’ve seen my work come to life from start to finish, from when it was a sketch to now in physical form. I’m really excited because that has made the whole project feel very personal and hands-on,” said Caruso.