A city reeling from the aftermath of last week’s tragic Freedom Forever Rally forged ahead with their annual fashion week festivities with a toned down celebration. While the same flair and style were present from all the designers showcases, the crowds were sparse. The level of enthusiasm waned as the week progressed. At times, the increased security outnumbered attendees. Once a staple of Cinniapolis summers, fashion week may be on its final legs after this year’s low turnout.

The main attraction earlier this week was the YFH showcase. Last year’s Cinni Prep Uniform Design Showcase winner, Yvonne Grey, returned to her Cinniapolis roots yet again to show off her newest collection. “I grew up here, my home will always be Cinniapolis. I’m so proud to be a part of fashion week and to be from Cinniapolis,” she said. Ms. Grey debuted her Fall collection to mixed reviews.

The YFH men’s line featured the return of corduroy. But, these weren’t your mother and father’s corduroys. The form-fitting pants featured floral prints and abstract shape accents on brightly colored pink and teal trousers. Men’s tops contained a bit more flow, resembling button up shirts of the pirate era. “Digital printing has changed the industry. A pair of khakis doesn’t have to be just a pair of khakis anymore. They can be brought to life with color and innovative design,” said Ms. Grey. Local man and horse trainer, Johnny Mentis, said, “YFH men’s outfits look like what I see and feel after I’ve been kicked by a horse, bright colors everywhere and my head hurts.”

The YFH women’s line called back to the days of flappers with an array of short skirts, loose silhouettes, and high heels. Not exactly practical pieces but impressive styling for a night out on the town. All the outfits dripped with drama using dark colors accented by brightly colored threads. Fringe made its return too. The traditional women’s power suit was upgraded with fringe and rhinestone, resembling a cowgirl’s outfit more than a boardroom executive’s wardrobe. “The idea is for women to have more fun in the workplace. It’s an un-serious take on the traditional, expected outfit for a women in business,” said Ms. Grey. “I do like the fringe but I would never wear that, anywhere, except maybe to a Halloween party,” said local woman and Cinniapolis socialite, Darma Kirchoff.

As per tradition, the main attraction of fashion week was the Cinniapolis Prep Uniform Design Showcase. This year’s first finalist was last year’s runner up, Art Weston. The second finalist was Cinni State Fashion Design student, Freda Oppo. The third finalist was LaToya Panters, a Cinni State alum and current designer of the Beaned Café uniforms. The judges for this year’s contest were Ms. Grey of YFH, Iris Dimple of St. Boris Elementary, and Brucie Murphy of Cinni Elementary. Both Ms. Dimple and Mr. Murphy were the 8th grade valedictorians from their respective elementary schools and are incoming freshman for the class of 2026 at Cinni Prep. A backstage coin-flip determined the order in which each participant would present their uniform design with Ms. Oppo presenting first, Mr. Weston presenting second, and Ms. Panters presenting third.

Ms. Oppo presented a clean design utilizing the royal blue and white school colors with neatly pressed royal blue slacks with white chalk pinstripes. She also presented a skirt option in the same style. The uniform tops were solid white with the school’s iconic catfish logo sewn in royal blue thread on the left breast. For the colder days, Ms. Oppo showed another plain white pullover sweater option, with blue thread piping around the V-neck. “I was left wanting more from your tops. I really like the slacks with the white stripes popping out from the blue base. But, I thought the tops could’ve used more of your design details that were put into the pants,” said Ms. Grey. Mr. Murphy was less critical, “I would wear those pants everywhere, not just for school. They are really cool. I like the white shirts and sweater, except I’d be scared of staining them,” he said. Lastly, Ms. Dimple gave her perspective, “I appreciate the skirt option, thinking of the girls or guys looking for some cooler options when it’s hot out. Nice job,” she said.

Next up, Mr. Weston presented his designs. His models strutted on the catwalk showing off khaki pants with the option of a solid royal blue polo top or a solid white button up top. He did not present any options for the cooler or warmer weather days. Ms. Grey passed her judgment, “It’s so great to see you here again, Mr. Weston. Unfortunately, the minimalist look isn’t for me. I don’t see the school name or mascot represented. I wish you would’ve included some indication that these pieces were part of a uniform,” she said. Ms. Dimple was next to comment, “I’m a big fan of khakis, I really like that look. I also like the simple approach to the uniform because it won’t take the attention off of my sneakers,” she said. Mr. Murphy effused praise, “I don’t mind the lack of a school insignia or logo because then I can wear the pants or shirts to church too. Plus, the blue shirt with khaki pants reminds me of the old Dealy Dan uniforms. I loved going there to buy video games, still do,” he said.

The final presenter was Ms. Panters. She presented a royal blue top for the boys with catfish logo patch on the left sleeve and a school insignia patch on the right sleeve. The girls shirt was the same except the top was white. For the slacks, she unveiled stain resistant, white terry cloth pants with loose elastic bottoms form fitted around the ankle. She also presented a royal blue zip up hoody with an enlarged catfish logo taking up most of the space on the back. “This is really well done. The lightweight pants are perfect for long school days. You have a terrific sense for fashion and it shows with the bold catfish on the back of the sweatshirt,” said Ms. Grey. Ms. Dimple assessed this entry, “The pants look so comfortable. I want to try them on right away. I really like the color combinations too,” she said. Mr. Murphy was also complimentary, “Those pants are so cool. They are kind of styled like baseball pants and good for showing off my sneakers, like Iris said earlier,” he said.

The judges sequestered backstage and returned with a decision after just a few minutes. Each uniform design was scored on a scale from 1 to 10 on style, comfort, and durability. The second runner-up was Mr. Weston with a total score of 20, falling short in the style category. The first runner-up was Ms. Oppo with a total score of 24, scoring well in each category. And, this year’s top prize and designated uniform designer for the class of 2026 was Ms. Panters, scoring a near-perfect 29. The judges agreed that her blend of style and comfort is a perfect choice for high school students. “I’m thrilled they selected my design. Just thrilled. Art and Freda had great designs too so it was a really competitive showcase,” said Ms. Panters.

The close of the Cinni Prep Uniform Design showcase signals the end of another Cinniapolis Fashion Week. The overall atmosphere was marred by the recent political firestorm that has consumed Cinniapolis. One can only hope community events like this will continue to serve as common ground for citizens and a well-deserved getaway from the hostile politics that have begun to grip the city.