Future of Fashion: Albright College Showcases at NYFW
Future of Fashion: Albright College Showcases Five Rising Designers at NYFW
New York, NY — September 13, 2025 — Albright College marked a major milestone this season as it returned to New York Fashion Week for the fifth consecutive year, presenting the daring visions of five new designers in a runway showcase that confirmed the school’s growing reputation as a hub of fashion innovation.
Held on Saturday, September 13, the show brought together 45 looks from recent graduates, each reflecting unique perspectives shaped by culture, identity, and storytelling. Known for its nationally ranked liberal arts–based fashion design, merchandising, and costume design programs, Albright once again demonstrated its ability to cultivate creative voices that balance technical precision with bold imagination.
Featured Designers & Collections
Salem Herr (Northampton, PA)
Herr brought a fantastical lens to the runway with a collection inspired by Japanese subcultures, cosplay, and fantasy worlds. Layered silhouettes drew from jellyfish forms, anime, and Harajuku fashion, while fluid gender boundaries were expressed through couture-level craftsmanship. Highlights included a satin-and-organza baby-doll dress, a ballerina halter gown in shimmering shantung, and a regal royal satin dress trimmed with ruffled iridescent organza.
Skylar Viggiano (Long Island, NY)
Drawing inspiration from 1980s Manhattan streetwear, Viggiano’s debut Jungle Fever embraced leopard prints, bold reds, and faux fur with unapologetic confidence. Statement looks included a red double-breasted pantsuit layered with a leopard tee, a full leopard catsuit, and a striking black turtleneck gown topped with a crimson faux-coyote coat.
Julie Duris (Tunkhannock, PA)
Duris channeled whimsy and nostalgia through classical dressmaking techniques and references to My Little Pony. Her satin and chiffon designs explored playful femininity with polished execution. Standouts included a pink one-shoulder satin cocktail dress, a peach tiered chiffon gown, and asymmetrical satin minis showcasing pastel color-blocking.
Alyssa Mask (Leesport, PA)
Mask turned personal transformation into high-concept fashion, shifting from her background in nursing to avant-garde eveningwear. Exploring the spaces of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory, her designs offered dramatic contrasts and sculptural flair. Key pieces included an ombré black-and-white gown, a black mesh tee with feathered wings paired with denim, and flame-inspired resin bustiers styled with feathered skirts.
Adam Moyer (Berks County, PA)
Moyer’s collection shimmered with the brilliance of hummingbirds, capturing themes of iridescence and transformation. His designs fused hand-painting, beading, and flowing layers in dreamlike combinations. Highlights included a black moiré silk bustier over a hand-painted skirt, a turquoise charmeuse beaded cocktail dress with cape detail, and a black charmeuse “hummingbird gown” adorned with feather accents.
A Platform for Innovation
“Year after year, our students prove that fashion is not only about garments, it’s about ideas, storytelling, and innovation,” said Debra Townsley, President of Albright College. “This showcase reaffirms our commitment to preparing designers who are ready to shape the future of the industry.”
The fifth annual Albright College NYFW show stood as a testament to the school’s role as an incubator for new talent—proving that the next generation of fashion leaders may emerge not only from New York or Paris, but from unexpected creative hubs like Reading, Pennsylvania.
About Albright College
Located just 2½ hours from New York City in Reading, PA, Albright College has a storied connection to the region’s fashion manufacturing history. Its Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, and Costume Design programs have grown into nationally recognized strengths, preparing students for careers that blend artistry with industry. With each NYFW showcase, Albright reinforces its position as a formidable force in fashion education and a launchpad for emerging talent.
Photo by John pankratz