The prestigious Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis encompasses disciplines that range from architecture to fashion design.

Each year, the school holds its Annual "Fashion & Flash" runway show where aspiring designers showcase the results of their studies. This year, the school sponsored its 81st fashion show with a focus on the talents of junior and senior fashion and design majors.

Dominic Bertani, owner of the Dominic Michael Salons in suburban St. Louis, has been a part of the Washington University fashion show for 18 years, and this year was no exception as he and his salon staff styled the hair of the show's models. Each year Bertani sponsors his own award in conjunction with Fashion & Flash. The 2010 Dominic Michael Silver Scissors Award was presented by Bertani to senior fashion design student Lauren Vassallo.

The evening of glamour and excitement gives young designers-in-the-making a feel for the runway and fuels Fashion Week hopefuls-and Bertani makes sure no one loses site of the importance of the hair in making a high fashion statement.

To find out more about the Dominic Michael Salons, visit dmsalon.com.

For information on Washington University's fashion design program visit wustl.edu.

Wedding gown designed by student Camilla White



Runway Hopefuls
Gown designed by design student Lauren Vassallo

Runway Hopefuls
St. Louis salon owner Dominic Bertani of the Dominic Michael Salons with Lauren Vassallo, fashion design student and recipient of Bertani's  Silver Scissors Award.

Runway Hopefuls
Salon owner Dominic Michael with Washington University Fashion & Flash committee members Susan Block, Jeigh singleton and Maureen Umlauf.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.

Originally posted on Modern Salon