Style on the Slopes: Berkeley College Students Present Standout Winter Installation at Curve New York Trade Show
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
WINTER INSTALLATION AT CURVE NEW YORK TRADE SHOW
Photo Caption: Berkeley College students blended artistry and technical skills to create a whimsical winter-themed installation at Curve New York, a leading trade show for intimate apparel and swimwear, held at the Javits Center from February 1 to 3, 2026. Pictured right (L to R) are students Jaline Pelaez, Destiny Garcia, and Maria B. Flores; and Moon Chang, Professor, Fashion, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®.
Share the News: @BerkeleyCollege #NewsBerkeley
Berkeley College students blended artistry and technical skills to create a whimsical winter-themed installation at Curve New York, a leading trade show for intimate apparel and swimwear, held at the Javits Center from February 1 to 3, 2026. The project added to a growing list of experiential learning opportunities for Fashion Merchandising and Management students, which has included industry exposure at New York Fashion Week and alongside the College’s Designer-in-Residence program.
At the Curve New York show, students were tasked with creating two installations inspired by a ski chalet with a punk and gothic twist. According to Moon Chang, Professor, Fashion, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®, visitors arrived to view an energetic ski scene and concluded with a playful après-ski experience.
“Berkeley College Fashion students executed the Curve New York display beautifully and professionally, well beyond industry standards, transforming it into a true expression of art and fashion,” said Chang, who managed the students’ efforts. “Our students demonstrated incredible teamwork, stayed within budget, and pushed through challenges with collaboration, professionalism, and creativity.”
“The collaboration between Curve NY and Berkeley College brought a fresh burst of creativity to the Javits show floor,” said Kirsten Griffin, Visitor Promotions Director, Fashion Division, Comexposium US. “With creative freedom to source props, design custom backdrops, and style the displays using lingerie borrowed from exhibiting brands, the students brought the Punk Snow Bunny theme to life beautifully. The result was a fun, innovative display and an undeniable success.”
The students began the process by creating mood boards before ordering items, building, and painting props.
Oda Hauge Kårstad, an international student from Bærum, Norway, said the experience deepened her understanding of how cultural perspectives influence business decisions.
“I incorporated my experience of a ski theme into the American interpretation, which differs from the Scandinavian experience,” Kårstad said. “It surprised me how the culture differences can affect creativity.”
“We all had slightly different interpretations of the theme and we came together for the final vision,” said student Maria B. Flores of Brooklyn, NY. “Getting to see it all come together at the end was the most rewarding part of the experience. This opportunity has deepened my love for fashion.”
Since enrolling at Berkeley College, Flores has become interested in fashion media and marketing, and she hopes one day to work with a fashion magazine or launch a blog.
“The Curve show was a wonderful experience that made me feel connected to my classmates and helped me believe in the talent we all have,” said student Arnold Vargas of the Bronx, NY, who hopes to one day work in fashion education. “This event showed me that I am on the right path in my life. My dream is to share my knowledge and experiences and assist in shaping the future of fashion professionals.”
The Berkeley College Fashion Merchandising and Management program is focused on the business side of the fashion industry, training students in all aspects of the complete fashion global supply chain – current technologies, consumer behavior, product development, merchandising, retail distribution, marketing, and sales. Many professors have industry experience with leading fashion brands. The Berkeley College Designer-in-Residence program provides opportunities to work directly with leading fashion professionals on campus.
Photo Caption: Berkeley College students blended artistry and technical skills to create a whimsical winter-themed installation at Curve New York, a leading trade show for intimate apparel and swimwear, held at the Javits Center from February 1 to 3, 2026. Pictured left (L to R) are students Destiny Garcia, Maria B. Flores, and Kamla King; Moon Chang, Professor, Fashion, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®; and student Jaline Pelaez. Pictured right (L to R) are King, Chang, and students Oda Hauge Kårstad and Alicia Englund.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
- end -
