Fellows

Peyton Houangvan (@peyton_van_ ), a first-gen Tai Dam American and student at @grandviewuniversity , has served as our Design Journalist — interviewing every designer in this year’s show for a special visual installation inside. She also wrote our first feature in @blackiowanews spotlighting Creative Directors Sandrah Nasimiyu (@lovequeensosa) & Izzy Kelai (@sow.rootz).

Marcelo Acosta(@marcelo_acosta102), a UNI marketing major and digital media creative, is the Editor-in-Chief behind our debut Fashion Circuit Digital Magazine — launching on our website during the show to offer a deeper look into the designers, fellows, and everything the Fashion Circuit. He also leads @uni_prolificmagazine at @northern_iowa , uplifting student voices and storytelling rooted in creativity and culture.

Wilnuse Riphin(@wilnuse) , an Industrial Design student at @iowastateu, led art direction for our Fellow Class Photo Project — a bold visual series celebrating the identity and creativity of our Spring 2025 cohort, set to drop next week.

Sara is a fashion designer and stylist with a passion for sustainability and avant-garde design. She studied fashion at Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), where she played a key role in the fashion show production team—leading as a stylist and managing models and designers. Her designs have been showcased in DMACC fashion shows, as well as the Child Serve Bubble Ball fundraising gala, where she contributed as a volunteer designer. Dedicated to upcycling and giving forgotten clothing a new life, Sara believes in creating fashion that is both innovative and environmentally conscious. Her work blends sustainability with bold, eye-catching designs that bring excitement to the runway.

Yo, I go by Brian, and I'm currently a sophomore at Iowa State University studying architecture with plans to minor in sustainability. To me architecture is not just about designing buildings, I want to use architecture to create spaces that are inclusive, affordable, and nuanced spaces that allow people to fully express themselves. Architecture has shown me how environments shape our experiences, but fashion has shown me how I've shaped and expressed who I am.

Growing up, I rocked neon gym clothes, LeBron's, and colored socks pulled up to my knees- style was never something I took lightly (sarcasm). As years passed, my Chicano background, love for learning about different cultures, skating, creating art, and listening to music all shaped the way I view clothing. I began to understand that individuality is one of the most important things we all carry, and clothes are one of the strongest ways to tell that story.

Whether it's sewing, selling and styling clothes on depop, or styling fits in my room, I've tried to make fashion feel personal. This passion for expressing identity through clothes is what drives me to create and what has led me to the Fashion Circuit Fellowship. My friend and I are working on bringing our own clothing brand into the world, one that celebrates the beauty in self-expression, cultural roots, and pushes creative boundaries. This fellowship is a step toward that vision, and I'm excited to contribute to the future of fashion in Des Moines.

Alonni Baskerville is a stylist and designer with a B.A. in Textiles and Apparel from the University of Northern Iowa. Skilled in garment construction, pattern making, draping, and digital design. She blends craftsmanship with innovation beautifully.  

Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Optitex. Alonni continuously refines her skills pushing creative boundaries. She has styled models, curated unique looks, and contributed to community-driven fashion projects. Devoted to empowering others through personal style and fostering inclusivity. She strives to make fashion more thoughtful, expressive, and accessible.

Brody Carroll is the 15-year-old founder and creative mind behind Unusvia, a growing clothing brand rooted in purpose and individuality. Originally launched under the name WatchYourBag, Brody’s journey began with two successful drops—hoodies and t-shirts—that gave him his first taste of entrepreneurship. But it wasn’t just about fashion; it was about finding a message that mattered.

That mission became clear with the rebrand to Unusvia, which means “one path” in Latin. The name reflects Brody’s belief in staying true to your unique journey, even when the road gets tough. As a young designer doing everything independently, Brody hopes Unusvia can inspire others—especially youth—to keep pushing forward on their own path, no matter the obstacles.

Brody is eager to continue developing his brand and learning more about design, promotion, and marketing. He’s especially excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives—models, photographers, and fellow designers—and grow not only his business, but his community as well.

Trash to treasure is the name of the game. For Coral, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. With garments crafted from recycled material, proving that style and sustainability can walk hand in hand. The mission is to shift the fashion scene toward a more eco-conscious future, one thoughtfully designed look at a time. Every piece is a testament to intentional design, where quality construction and refined finishes take center stage. Built to last, the garments are made to last, resisting the throwaway culture of fast fashion in favor of durability. Welcome to a new era of design where waste becomes fashion and the earth thanks you for it.