OUR LEGACY
Celebrating 125 years of Dominican University!
The Beginning
A foundation in Vision and Innovation
The story of the Dominican University Fashion Program begins in 1969, when Carolyn Chawla arrived at Rosary College, recruited by Sister Candida Lund as an assistant professor in the Home Economics Department.
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Born in England in 1945 and educated in Jamaica through high school, Carolyn’s global perspective shaped her academic path. She earned her undergraduate degree in home economics education from InterAmerican University in Puerto Rico before completing a master’s degree in textiles and clothing at Penn State University in 1967. Shortly thereafter, she and her husband, Tilak—who accepted a Ph.D. scientist position at Argonne National Laboratory—relocated to Chicago.
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Carolyn and Tilak quickly became active members of the Rosary College community, forming lasting friendships and contributing to the institution’s academic and cultural growth.
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A few years into her tenure, Carolyn introduced a transformative idea: blending clothing and textiles with business coursework. From this vision, the Fashion Merchandising program was born. Simultaneously, textiles and art were combined to establish the Fashion Design major.
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This interdisciplinary foundation—where creativity meets commerce—continues to define Dominican’s fashion education today.
Carolyn Chawla with a student.
A Program in Motion
Today, the Fashion Department at Dominican University stands as one of only two four-year colleges offering fashion degrees in the Chicago area. Offering majors in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising, the department has evolved into a contemporary, industry-aligned environment that empowers students to develop their own voice and vision.
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Recent renovations to the Fashion Lab have elevated the program to new heights. Students now work with:
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Industrial-grade sewing machines
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Fabric dye vats in a dedicated dye lab
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3D design software
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Digital printing technology
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Precision laser cutters
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Expanded cutting and construction spaces​
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The lab is available 24 hours a day, reflecting the reality of the fashion industry: dedication, discipline, and long hours fuel creative excellence.
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As senior designers prepare their collections for the annual spring fashion show, the space hums with energy—students spending 10 to 11 hours perfecting garments, refining silhouettes, and pushing conceptual boundaries.
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Each spring, graduating seniors debut original collections in a fully produced professional runway show, gaining real-world experience in production, marketing, styling, and backstage coordination.
Industry Impact
Dominican fashion students don’t create in isolation—they participate in the broader fashion community.
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The department has strengthened its presence through:
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Participation in Chicago Fashion Week
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The Alumni Fashion Show
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The Driehaus Fashion Awards
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Mentorship programs connecting students with industry professionals
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Dominican was one of only three institutions represented during Chicago Fashion Week’s 12-day showcase, highlighting the program’s growing regional reputation.
These opportunities not only elevate student portfolios but position Dominican as a key contributor to Chicago’s evolving fashion landscape.
Fashion Department Showcases Vintage Clothing Exhibit at Chicago Fashion Week 2025
Our Alumni
The true measure of a program’s legacy lies in its graduates. Dominican alumnae/i have launched fashion lines, collaborated with global retailers, worked in textile and costume design, and taught at the collegiate level.​
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In October 2024, the Fashion Department and the Office of Alumnae/i Relations presented the Alumni Fashion Show during Chicago Fashion Week—an event that brought together twelve graduates from five states to showcase their collections. Dominican was one of only three higher education institutions represented during the citywide celebration, reaffirming the program’s growing regional presence.
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Among those recognized:
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Maxine Scott ’79, MAT ’02, whose custom special-occasion gowns reflect her early experience dressing models for the renowned Ebony Fashion Fair. Her commitment to mentorship continues as she guides young designers interested in couture craftsmanship.
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Erika Neumayer ’09, founder of Rare Dirndl, whose work reimagines traditional German dress through modern design. What began as a senior research project evolved into a thriving business rooted in heritage and cultural storytelling.
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Rosa Roche ’12, textile designer and founder of R2K House, who transitioned from criminology to fashion at Dominican and now collaborates within the global fashion and home décor industries.
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Iris Carney Cooper ’14, educator and curator, who teaches History of Fashion and preserves historic garments while designing pieces inspired by Dominican’s identity and tradition.​
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These alumni return not only to showcase their work, but to inspire, mentor, and create pathways for current students. Their careers demonstrate the versatility of a Dominican fashion education—spanning design, merchandising, textile innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
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Brianna Yanga Class of '24
Second Place at the Driehaus Fashion Awards
Vision into Action
For 125 years, Dominican University has shaped leaders, creators, and innovators who challenge convention and redefine possibility. From its River Forest campus to its connections in Chicago and beyond, the university's history is marked by academic excellence, creative inquiry, and a commitment to purposeful impact. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honor a legacy built not only through tradition but through the ambition and vision of generations of students.
The Dominican University Fashion Show stands as a dynamic extension of that history. Entirely student-run, the production transforms the classroom into a professional runway experience where designers, marketers, models, and production teams collaborate to execute a unified production.
This year’s fashion show reflects both heritage and forward momentum as Dominican University celebrates its 125th anniversary. It honors the foundations established by those who came before while spotlighting the originality of today's student designers. Rooted in history yet driven by imagination, the fashion show continues to evolve, affirming that our legacy is not static but actively shaped by each new generation that steps onto the runway.
Lana Heyasat Class of '23