Meredith College Fashion Student Wins Design Competition

Meredith College fashion design student Serena Danieli, ’25, recently won first place in the “Intermediate and Beyond” category at the 27th annual AATS Fashion Exposé.

The competition was held on April 10, the same day as Meredith’s Celebrating Student Achievement Day, during which Danieli showed her senior collection.

“My collection, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, celebrates the cultural influences that have shaped who I am and my lived experiences. It’s a reflection of my personal story and what I hope to bring to the fashion industry,” Danieli said. “Preparing for the AATS show gave me the push I needed to finish my final pieces.”

The AATS Fashion Exposé is an annual competition and runway show hosted by the African American Textile Society (AATS) at NC State University. Danieli modeled in the competition last year for a friend’s entry. She later found out the competition is open to students at colleges other than NC State. 

“I had no idea that non-NC State students could apply, and by the time I found out, the deadline had already passed,” Danieli said. Her friend encouraged her to email the competition organizer, and she was accepted after the initial deadline. 

“Since I entered the show late, I had to play a bit of catch-up. I had to submit sketches, a mood board, and a video explaining my collection, which ended up being a really beneficial process,” Danieli explained. “Preparing for two fashion shows at once was stressful, but it also gave me a moment to recenter. Talking about my collection while navigating tight deadlines, garment construction, and event planning reminded me why I’m so passionate about fashion in the first place.”

The AATS show required six looks for intermediate-level designers.

“The hardest part was choosing which six to include out of the 14 I created for my Meredith show,” Danieli said. “It was such a rewarding (and whirlwind) experience. I’m proud of how it all came together.”

Having two events on the same day might have been hectic, but Danieli enjoyed the challenge.

“After my Meredith show, my models and I packed up and headed straight to NC State,” she said. “Since they had already walked earlier in the day, everyone felt more relaxed, and the energy backstage was super fun.”

Danieli credits her Meredith fashion program education with helping prepare her for this challenge.

 “I wouldn’t be the designer I am today without Meredith’s amazing fashion program. I started sewing when I was 13, but Meredith taught me how to elevate my work to meet industry standards,” Danieli said. “The technical skills, the design process, and the constant encouragement from faculty have all played a huge role in my growth.”

She gave special credit to fashion program faculty Eunyoung Yang and Jessica Palmer.

“Both of them have pushed me to grow not just as a designer, but as a student and creative thinker,” she said. “Their guidance has made a lasting impact on my academic journey and beyond.”

After graduation, Danieli will join Kohl’s headquarters as a full-time fashion designer. She will carry the confidence from her AATS win with her into her career in fashion.

“I initially joined the AATS show just for the experience and exposure, so winning first place was a huge and unexpected bonus. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Danieli said.