Looking Back at MERGE 2025

Highlights from the Runway

Design teams fully embraced their chosen artists, delivering dramatic reveals and inventive use of materials. NORR/WDSLA surprised the audience with a stunning skirt reveal hidden beneath sculptural wings. The Sac State student team opened their coat to unveil a tutu-inspired skirt that drew audible reactions from the crowd.

Several teams incorporated lighting into their designs in unexpected ways, including LPAS, Stantec, and Boulder. One standout moment came when Stantec’s Fred Astaire–inspired design took over the runway—dancing its way down and back, and winning over the audience with confidence and flair.

The Sacramento City Center once again brought creativity to the runway with MERGE 2025, IIDA Northern California’s annual fashion show celebrating collaboration across design disciplines. Now in its 14th year, MERGE continues to unite architecture firms, interior designers, students, and industry partners to create bold, one-of-a-kind designs made from sponsor-provided materials.

This year’s theme, Empowering Artists, invited teams to draw inspiration from iconic figures across music, art, and dance. From Misty Copeland and Fred Astaire to Frida Kahlo, Banksy, Beyoncé, and Bjork, each look reflected the influence and impact these artists bring to creative culture—and to the design community itself.

Creativity With Purpose

Beyond the spectacle, MERGE serves a deeper mission. The event highlights the creative power of the Sacramento design community while strengthening relationships between designers, students, and manufacturers. Importantly, proceeds from MERGE 2025 benefited the 2025 Student Design Awards, reinforcing IIDA Northern California’s commitment to supporting the next generation of designers.

A special surprise this year added to the excitement: Kristen Brown, an up-and-coming country music singer and former The Voice contestant, joined the judging panel, bringing a fresh and unexpected perspective to the runway.

An Electric Night

The energy in the room was unmistakable. With music and lighting perfectly setting the tone, the audience stayed fully engaged throughout the evening. Models fed off the crowd’s enthusiasm, embracing the runway and elevating each moment.

By the end of the night, one thing was clear. MERGE 2025 was a celebration of unity, creativity, and empowerment—proof that when this community comes together, the results are powerful.