CHHS student takes fashion designs from classroom to runway

March 20, 2017

Senior fashion merchandising and apparel design major, Heidi Viterbo, packed her bags and headed to New York to promote her fashion line, The Heidi Becca, last month. Viterbo presented her Fall 2017 collection at Small Boutique Fashion Week (SBFW) on Feb. 9 at Studio 450 in New York City.

Viterbo had the opportunity to be a part of the SBFW 10 year anniversary show and was selected to present her collection in both the opening and closing shows. To be a participant, Viterbo applied online and submitted her senior capsule collection. Although it typically takes several rounds of interviews and physical garment submission to be accepted, Viterbo’s line of nature-inspired clothing was selected immediately after her portfolio submission.

SBFW is internationally known and is the only business-oriented runway show geared toward small business owners, emerging designers and novelty designers. Although the event is a subsidiary of New York Fashion Week, it is known as one of the top events for independent brands and continues to grow.

“The great thing about SBFW and their company is it allows independent/emerging designers like myself to engage in priceless networking with professional individuals who can help your brand grow and expand,” said Viterbo. “I am so thankful to have experienced this and I cannot wait to continue learning more about this amazing industry.”

This was Viterbo’s first show, and she looks forward to showing off her collections in future shows, including one scheduled for this summer in Atlanta.

“Being part of a show like this was truly humbling and taught me so much that you simply cannot learn in the classroom,” continued Viterbo. “I learned so much about myself in preparing for a show, time management, multitasking, textiles, garment construction and travel preparations. Getting the opportunity to experience these events at such a young age prepares me for what is next and for planning my next shows.”

To learn more about the School of Human Ecology, visit cchs.georgiasouthern.edu/she.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.