Kent State University's School of Fashion brought the house down — for the house.
Students, faculty and alumni from Kent State's internationally ranked School of Fashion showcased their most daring and innovative designs on Feb. 7 at Haute for the House, the annual fashion show and fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio. The event took place at the InterContinental Hotel Cleveland.
Now in its third year, Haute for the House has become one of Cleveland's premier fashion philanthropy events — a glamorous evening where haute couture meets a cause close to the heart. The event pairs gourmet food stations, specialty cocktails, live and silent auctions, raffles and more with a runway show entirely curated and produced by Kent State's fashion community.
The evening's centerpiece was the fashion show itself, featuring original designs created by Kent State fashion students, faculty and alumni. From avant-garde silhouettes to market-ready pieces, the collection reflected the creative range and technical excellence that have earned the School of Fashion recognition as the No. 1 Fashion Design and Merchandising School in the Midwest, the No. 5 Fashion School in the USA, and Top 25 in the world.
Beyond the runway, guests enjoyed an evening of food, fun and generosity. The event featured gourmet food stations, an open bar with signature cocktails, a silent auction, raffles and a photo booth. Attendees also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite design, with a $1,000 scholarship awarded to Freedom Lee, a senior fashion design student.
The inaugural Haute for the House debuted in February 2024, raising more than $165,000 for RMHC NEO. The partnership between Kent State's School of Fashion and the nonprofit has grown each year, becoming a signature event that gives students a high-profile platform to showcase their talent while making a meaningful difference in the community.
