Harper College

Harper Challenge

Harper Challenge is a yearly competition for local high school students. Students are challenged to create an original garment using a pattern provided by the Harper College Fashion Studies Department. Students who successfully complete their garments will have the opportunity to show them on the runway at our annual student-run Fashion Show. Awards are offered to the top 3 students in both the Creativity and Construction categories.

The goal of the Harper Challenge is to reach out to high school students and give them an opportunity to see what it would be like to be a student in the Fashion Department at Harper College. Fashion shows are the most fundamental element of the fashion industry and we invite industry experts to jury and participate in the one at Harper College every year. The fashion show gives Harper students professional industry experiences they can put on their resumes and portfolios and prepares them to enter the fashion job market. Harper Challenge gives that opportunity to motivated high school students as well.

Theme

The theme of the 2025 Fashion Show is “Cyberscapes”. The theme signifies a journey through time and imagination where past meets future with a spectacular blend of tradition and innovation. Participants will be provided with a design inspired by the iconic 1920s Flapper dress and are tasked with transforming this classic garment into a futuristic masterpiece.

Cyberspace unfolds in several ways:

  • futuristic design with inspiration rooted in the past,
  • traditional design techniques and classic materials are redefined and refreshed with new detail, color and pattern, demonstrating that our surroundings are forever evolving and shifting.
  • technology and creativity merge for new innovation.

DATES:

Fashion Show: Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 7:00 pm.

Garment drop-off:

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 3-5pm in Building H, Room H255

OR

Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 10am-noon in Building H, Room H270

More detailed information will follow in February 2025.

More Info:

High School students can register for the Harper Challenge here.

For more details check out the Harper Challenge Flyer.

See photos of past Harper Challenge students and models on the runway.

Past Fashion Shows

Last Updated: 9/27/24