P3RS9ECTIVE: Silver Needle’s Runway reveals the theme for their 39th annual show

Students at the theme launch event. Photo by Ava Battinelli '26

After hours upon hours of researching, collaborating and designing, Marist University’s Silver Needle Runway decided on the theme “P3RS9ECTIVE” for their 39th annual fashion show. In an effort to feature each of the designer's collections, this year’s theme encourages people to embrace new viewpoints and find beauty in everything. 

“I think it was a really good turnout. I think a lot of people were really excited about this theme, especially the designers,” said Logistics Budget Assistant Lizzie Kershaw ‘26. “I think it was a really awesome representation of the senior fashion program.”

Following the theme reveal at The Academy in Poughkeepsie, New York, Creative Director Emma Winkler ‘25 and Digital Media Director Emily Sumner ‘25 shared the message of “P3RS9ECTIVE.”

“SNR 39, P3RS9ECTIVE, challenges you to embrace curiosity and appreciate the beauty in any point of view; like a kaleidoscope, every shift in perspective reveals a new discovery,” said Sumner. “Colors blend, patterns form and details emerge in ways you never expected.”

Faculty Advisor and Professor Juan-Manuel Olivera-Silvera shared that the theme’s main inspiration is a kaleidoscope, because of the variety of colors and shapes that can be seen when you look into one. 

“It's almost like a tapestry of all of the ideas from our designers,” said Olivera-Silvera. “Everyone comes from a different place, and when you put it together, it creates a patchwork of who Marist designers are as a whole.”

Olivera-Silvera also noted that the theme includes many different colors to show that anyone or anything can fit into the theme, which is significantly different from last year’s lack of color. 

Another stark contrast to last year’s “Interlinked” theme was revealed in the video, which premiered at the launch party. Last year’s video featured a wide variety of students, while this year’s video showcased only one actress: Victoria Stout '26. 

“It means a lot that my fellow classmates trusted me to be a forefronting figure for such a big date for us and to be professional on set and help convey their creative vision to the best of my ability,” said Stout.

The model also shared that “P3RS9ECTIVE” helped her realize that there are so many different versions of the truth and that everything means something different to everyone. 

“I like that the theme can be a chameleon and change for each and every one of the senior designers,” she noted. 

Senior Designer Alexandria Shaw '25, along with the rest of the designers, was not aware of the theme before creating her collections. Still, Shaw agrees with Stout that this theme will do well in encapsulating each of the seniors’ collections. 

Shaw’s collection, “Amusement,” is based on different amusement attractions such as a carousel, teacups, a circus tent and a clown. 

“My collection is like an ode to my childhood because my happy place is amusement parks like DisneyLand. It’s the place where my family and I had the most fun,” Shaw said. “I’m connecting with my inner child but in a more chic way.”

Shaw also expressed her excitement about being involved with SNR for the first time. 

“Seeing all the work that goes into it, I have such a deeper appreciation for what everyone else is doing and how we are all coming together. I bonded with my classmates so much, which made this experience so amazing,” she said. “I’m so grateful for all of them in this process.”

The planning of “P3RS9ECTIVE” started in May when Olivera-Silvera selected a few capping students to do research over the summer about what SNR 39’s theme would be. Meanwhile, Olivera-Silvera did research in Paris and Italy and reported on new trends and ideas. 

After finalizing the theme, making a brand image and message for it as well as developing an aesthetic, the rest of the class begins to plan the entire spring semester with promotional events, community events and other occasions to bring awareness to the show.

“It’s a lot more work than a regular class because all the students are basically part of an enterprise in a way,” said Olivera-Silvera. “Just like in a company, everyone has a specific and important role in making the whole piece come together and happen.”

The professor also explained that this class is composed of students from various majors. So, in addition to the fashion merchandising students, there are communications and emerging media students, who, he said, bring fresh perspectives to the table. 

“It’s important to have an eye that’s untrained because the vision is raw. They bring a perspective from their own industry that makes fashion newer,” Olivera-Silvera said.

SNR 39 will reveal the designs and hard work that goes into the show on May 9.  

“SNR 39 highlights the diverse creativity and innovation of our designers and the fashion show production class,” said Winkler. “This year, we hope to highlight the distinct viewpoints and stories that shape each designer's collection. Our experiences, inspirations and artistic visions come together to redefine beauty through fashion.”