A Dress Fit for a President

Commissioned by Dr. Nancy Niemi, President of Framingham State University, this garment was created for her inaugural dinner. Selected by the FSU Fashion Design and Retailing department, I had the honor of designing, constructing, and fitting a piece that reflected both dignity and delight.

The result is a fitted sheath dress featuring an off-the-shoulder band, knee-length cape sleeves, a front slit above the knee, and a side zipper closure. The primary fabric is a rich black dupioni silk, accented with satin charmeuse in various hues. The inner lining adds an unexpected twist — copper charmeuse paired with a turquoise-and-copper patina screen print — offering hidden moments of playfulness and texture within an otherwise sleek and refined silhouette.