Q&A with featured designers Shantell Reid and Kaylee Starkweather in advance of “What She’s Made Of” fashion show at Highmark Stadium

On November 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Buffalo State’s Fashion and Textile Technology (FTT) Department will participate in the “What She’s Made Of” Fashion Show at Highmark Stadium. The event is presented by the WNY Women’s Foundation Buffalo Bills Women’s Association with the support of the Buffalo State Foundation and FTT Department. The lineup showcases a group of women-owned businesses curated to give fashion-forward, Buffalo-based looks, modeled by Buffalo Bills Women’s Association members, students, and community members. The Buffalo State Foundation and FTT Department will sponsor keynote speaker Mara Hoffman, an artist, designer, and creative visionary originally from Buffalo, and whose work spans fashion, photography, creative direction, and storytelling.

“Buffalo has such an incredible fashion community, and I love creating opportunities for our students to be part of it,” said Erin Habes, '03, '19, full-time lecturer, RUNWAY director/producer, and FTT internship coordinator. “Working with Liz Grady and the WNY Women’s Foundation has brought our students together with local designers, boutique owners, and the Buffalo Bills Women’s Association to bring this show to life. Our merchandising students Tyree Hall, Lily Lesniowski, and Katelyn Tappin are helping produce the show, and Shantell Reid and senior Kaylee Starkweather are sharing their designs with a whole new audience. I’m so proud of the work they’re doing! With support from the Buffalo State Foundation and our Fashion and Textile Technology Department, we’re also helping bring Mara Hoffman to Buffalo. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect our students with an inspiring creative voice while supporting an organization that uplifts women in our community.”

Among the featured looks are collections by FTT assistant professor Shantell Reid and Kaylee Starkweather, a senior fashion design major who was awarded the Best Student Collection Award at RUNWAY 2026. In advance of the event, Reid and Starkweather gave a few moments of their time to share some behind-the-scenes inspiration and what they’re looking forward to.

Buffalo State University: How did you become involved with the WNY Women’s Foundation and this event?
Shantell Reid: This is my first time learning about this organization. After gaining a deeper understanding of its mission and values, I feel truly honored to have been invited to showcase my garments at the show. 

Kaylee Starkweather: I became involved with through the opportunity to showcase my designs from Buffalo State’s RUNWAY fashion show this past April. Being able to share my work again in a new setting is exciting.

BSU: Tell us about the inspiration behind your collection. 
SR: This collection of paper garments was inspired by my trip to Ghana, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of textile waste accumulating along beaches and in waterways. This experience prompted me to reflect on the environmental consequences of fast fashion and the excessive production, consumption, and disposal of clothing. The collection challenges conventional approaches to garment longevity by exploring the concept of limited-use apparel designed for special occasions. Through the use of paper as an alternative garment material, this work asks: Can clothing be intentionally designed for short-term wear while minimizing its environmental impact? The collection envisions garments that, depending on their material composition and treatment, may biodegrade under appropriate conditions or be repurposed into new paper products or craft materials. Ultimately, this work encourages a rethinking of fashion consumption and invites consideration of alternative approaches to garment design that prioritize material innovation, responsible use, and reduced textile waste.

KS: My collection, Memory, Still, is a personal tribute to my late grandmother and her experience with dementia. I wanted to create something that honored her memory while exploring the way love and connection can remain even when memories begin to fade. The collection features white, bridal-inspired dresses with soft pink floral details, representing femininity, love, and the beauty of the memories we carry with us. I wanted to turn something emotional into something beautiful that others could connect with in their own way. I hope audiences take away the idea that even when memories change or become harder to hold onto, the impact someone has on our lives never truly disappears. 

BSU: What has the creative process been like? 
SR: The creative process presented several challenges, particularly in determining how to manipulate and construct paper into garments that were both visually appealing and wearable. The inherent fragility of the paper required careful consideration throughout the design and construction process. To push the boundaries of my material exploration, I experimented with creating my own paper using Joomchi, a traditional Korean technique that involves wetting and hand-manipulating layers of paper to create a stronger, more textured material with a fabric-like hand. One of the most surprising outcomes was how convincingly the initial paper garments resembled conventional textiles. From a distance, the garments did not immediately appear to be made of paper; their true material composition became apparent only upon closer inspection and physical interaction. However, the paper produced through the Joomchi technique exceeded my expectations. Its texture, flexibility, and tactile qualities closely resembled felted fabric, leading me to believe that it offered greater potential for garment construction and wearability than the original paper materials. This discovery expanded my understanding of paper as an alternative garment material and revealed the potential of traditional paper-manipulation techniques to inform contemporary sustainable fashion design.

KS: The creative process was emotional because I was creating something inspired by someone who meant so much to me. It was important that the garments felt beautiful and cohesive while still communicating the meaning behind the collection. Balancing the personal story with the technical aspects of designing and constructing the looks challenged me to think beyond just the appearance of each garment and consider how the entire collection would make someone feel. Seeing the finished collection come together on the runway and realizing that something so personal to me could resonate with other people is one of my favorite memories. Winning the Best Student Collection Award was incredibly meaningful because it felt like recognition not only of my work as a designer, but also of the story I wanted to tell.

Why is this a significant opportunity for Buffalo State? 
SR: Opportunities such as this allow us to showcase the creativity, technical skills, and professional readiness of our students while bringing greater visibility to the outstanding programs and experiences Buffalo State has to offer. These experiences allow students to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to new audiences, build confidence, and begin establishing connections that may lead to internships, professional collaborations, or future career opportunities. As a professor who graduated from Buffalo State’s fashion and textile technology program and returned to teach in the program that helped shape my journey, I consider it a full-circle moment. Being able to contribute to the growth of the program, support the next generation of fashion professionals, and help create opportunities for our students is both a privilege and a source of pride.

KS: I know how much time, research, construction, and personal investment goes into developing a collection. Having the opportunity to showcase that work beyond the classroom allows students to gain real-world experience, build professional connections, and grow their confidence as emerging designers. It also helps demonstrate the value of Buffalo State’s program and the hands-on education we receive. These experiences remind students that the work they create in school can become something much bigger and open doors to opportunities they may not have imagined. Opportunities like this remind me why I love what I do and encourage me to keep creating.

What about the event are you most looking forward to?
SR: I am excited to see how the paper garments are received and perform at the show, particularly as an opportunity to showcase innovative approaches to sustainable fashion. I also look forward to experiencing the new stadium, connecting with new people, and building relationships that may lead to future collaborations and professional opportunities. 

KS: I’m excited to see my work presented in such a unique setting and to share a collection that means so much to me with a new audience. I’m also looking forward to seeing the work of other talented creatives, celebrating the accomplishments of women, and representing Buffalo State.

Top photo: Memory, Still by Kaylee Starkweather. 

Photos and headshots courtesy of designers.