Congrats Bri Hyūga . I am one proud cousin.

Congratulations to Cheektowaga Central High School seniors James Bachraty and Briana Kliber, who are among the area students in the Fashion Design and Merchandising program at Erie 1 BOCES who will see their handmade designs take to the runway for all to see during the 2018 FUSION Fashion Show: Industrial Revolution at Buffalo State College.

Now in its ninth year, the FUSION Fashion Show on Thurs., March 15 will showcase the work of nearly a dozen seniors from high schools across Western New York, including James and Briana. The show takes place at 7 p.m. in the college’s Campbell Student Union Social Hall, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

Each one of James’ fashion show designs were inspired by a different aspect. The first draws from ancient Egypt, while the second highlights all things shiny and the third has hints of a typical couture show grand finale, complete with a train similar to one on a wedding dress.

“Seeing your designs come to life on the runway after you have worked on them for months gives you a certain gratification,” James noted.

Briana’s designs come from a young version of pop singer Ariana Grande. “When Ariana Grande first started on Nickelodeon, she had a cutesy kind of style, which is similar to what I was aiming for,” Briana explained. “I’ve always been a very artistic individual, so to design my own clothes is very artistically fulfilling.”

After graduation, James plans on going to college and becoming a freelance creative tailor. Briana plans on studying business locally so she can get her start in the fashion industry.

Erie 1 BOCES’ two-year Fashion Design and Merchandising program at the Harkness Career & Technical Center teaches students how to dress, style and create trends based on design elements and the fashion cycle. Students also create a successful business plan for a fashion boutique, setting them up for future success.

The fashion show is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. Unreserved tickets will be available at the door. Questions may be emailed to instructor Darlene Borchert ([email protected]).

Donations of jeans, T-shirts and dress shirts will be accepted at the fashion show as part of a donation drive to benefit Goodwill of Western New York. The students’ upcycled fashions that will be featured at the show were created from clothing items donated to the class by Goodwill. Visit www.goodwillwny.org for more information.

As part of public education, Erie 1 BOCES offers a variety of career and technical programs during the regular school day to high school students in Erie County. High school students interested in learning more about how they can participate in various programs such as fashion design, web and gaming technologies, health careers or aviation technology, should visit graduation dresses for college www.e1b.org/cte or speak with their high school counselor.