Southern Westchester BOCES’ Center for Career Services is set to once again transform creativity into couture with its highly anticipated 2026 Future Fashion Show, scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at its Valhalla campus.
In the days leading up to the event, the energy behind the scenes has already been building. During a model workshop on Friday, students across multiple programs came together to fine-tune every detail of the production.
Cosmetology students experimented with bold, futuristic hair and makeup looks, while models practiced their runway walks under the guidance of returning modeling coach Eileen Yip, the school’s social worker. Meanwhile, Fashion Design students completed final fittings and last-minute alterations, ensuring each piece would be ready for the spotlight.
“It takes a village,” said Carmen Galiano, the instructor for the Fashion Design & Merchandising program. “I’m so grateful to work with such a fantastic and supportive team!”
That collaborative spirit is at the heart of the show. Students from across the Career Services campus have taken on key roles in bringing the production to life. Video Production instructor Michael May and his students created an opening video and will film the event, while Audio Production instructor Sean Harty is coordinating the full runway experience—from staging and lighting to music, with the help of school counselor Kevin McAllister. Harty, who will serve as the stage manager, and his students will run the production, managing backstage logistics to ensure seamless transitions throughout the show.
In addition, Advertising & Graphic Design students, led by instructor Damian Powers, designed the event’s promotional materials and contributed visual elements to enhance the runway environment. Cosmetology students, under the direction of instructor Yolanda Lopez, are preparing the looks with professional-quality hair and makeup.
This year’s theme, “Future Fashion,” will invite students and guests to look beyond the present and into a world inspired by galaxies, space travel, advanced technology, and robotics—pushing the boundaries of imagination and design.
Ms. Galiano referenced other time periods, including the 1960s and 1980s, where current events fueled interest in the future, which influenced fashion trends.
“I have always wanted to do this theme and was waiting for the right time,” Ms. Galiano said. “I thought this was the right time with so much emphasis on technology, AI and space travel.”
The Future Fashion Show builds on a tradition of student-driven creativity and collaboration. In past years, audiences have filled venues with smiles and pride as student designers showcased deeply personal and imaginative work. That same passion is expected to shine through again—this time with a bold, forward-looking twist.
As students prepare to debut their futuristic designs, the runway will once again serve as more than just a stage—it will be a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the real-world skills students develop through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.