At a time at UNI where creative outlets in fashion have grown increasingly scarce, especially after the elimination of the Textiles and Apparel Program in 2024, Prolific Magazine is working to change that — one runway at a time.
Prolific Magazine, an inclusive multicultural student organization dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, will host its “Iconic Iowa” Fashion Show on April 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Lang Hall Auditorium at UNI, with doors opening at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to students, faculty and the community of Cedar Falls.
Founded on the mission of elevating diverse perspectives, Prolific has become more than just a student publication — it is a creative hub where students can explore identity, culture and storytelling through design, writing and now fashion.
Since its founding in spring 2024, Prolific has aimed to provide space for students whose voices are often overlooked. What began as a small, student-led initiative has now evolved into a collaborative and multidisciplinary organization that produces digital issues and physical copies of its magazine.
For Destiny Dixon, a junior majoring in art education with a TESOL minor, Prolific offered both creative opportunity and community from the start. Now serving as the fashion show coordinator, co-editor-in-chief, journalist and model, Dixon says the organization shaped her college experience.
“I got involved my freshman year as a journalist and model after some friends encouraged me to join,” Dixon said. “It was still new, but I loved that it created a platform for underrepresented students to express themselves. I stayed because the team made me feel seen and comfortable sharing others’ stories and my own.”
Her sense of belonging resonates throughout the leadership team.
Senior Emijah Jones, creative director for the fashion show and magazine graphic designer, joined Prolific during its founding stages. As a double major in graphic design and Spanish, Jones helped shape the magazine’s visual identity from the beginning.
“It started as a very small group,” said Jones. “But we all immediately saw the vision. Being part of that creative process — from photoshoots to brainstorming sessions — made me want to stay.”
Marcelo Acosta, also a senior, serves as co-editor-in-chief, media team lead and co-creative director of the fashion show. A marketing major with a digital media minor, Acosta has been instrumental in growing Prolific after its founder graduated.
“I knew how much of an impact this could make,” Acosta said. “After taking on a leadership role, I had to learn every department — production, marketing, design. But none of it would have been possible without the team and the community supporting us.”
The idea for the fashion show emerged between Jones and Acosta, sparked by their shared exposure to fashion events beyond campus.
“What started as random conversations about creative projects turned into something bigger,” said Jones. “We wanted to give back to UNI before graduating, and a fashion show felt like the perfect way to do that.”
Inspired by the legacy of Prolific’s founder, the team saw the show as a way to continue building opportunities for others.
“We wanted to show our appreciation for the community,” said Acosta. “And with this being UNI’s 150th year, we knew this was our choice to create something impactful.”
The timing of the event is especially important. With the university no longer offering a fashion program, opportunities for students interested in the industry have been limited.
“This will be the first time many students experience something like this,” said Jones. “We had open model castings, and for some, it was their first time walking a runway. It’s about giving people that opportunity to try something new.”
Dixon agrees, emphasizing fashion as a powerful form of self-expression.
“Fashion is creative and personal,” said Dixon. “Being part of Prolific has helped me appreciate the artistry behind it. Events like this allow students to see different perspectives and express themselves in new ways.”
Acosta adds that the show is also about cultivating a creative culture in a region where these spaces are limited.
“We noticed there aren’t many opportunities for creatives in the Cedar Falls area, especially in fashion,” he said. “This is about building that space and uplifting people who want to be part of it.”
The event’s core focus is the theme, “Iconic Iowa.”
Challenging common stereotypes about the state, the show aims to highlight creativity and diversity often overlooked in the Midwest.
“Iowa is often seen as just a corn state,” said Jones. “We want to change that perspective. This show will feature handmade clothing from designers with different backgrounds and skill levels, showing the variety Iowa has to offer.”
The runway will not only feature designs but also familiar faces from the university, students stepping into new roles as models and creators.
“We want people to see their classmates in a different light,” said Jones. “And maybe feel inspired to get involved themselves.”
Beyond the fashion show, Prolific Magazine continues to expand its presence on campus. The organization will participate in UNI’s Multicultural Gathering on April 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center for Multicultural Education, offering another opportunity for students to connect.
They are also seeking volunteers to assist with the fashion show, including stage setup, ushering and tabling.
“We hope this inspires the next generation to keep building Prolific,” said Acosta. “It’s about creating something that continues long after we graduate.”
