On Oct. 9, fashion-forward guests poured into the St. Louis Science Center anticipating the start of one of the most coveted weeks of the year: Fashion Week.

Models walked the runway in front of a full house on opening day. Neon lights reflected off the interior of the Exploradome, which took on a radiating purple glow and immersed models, designers and guests alike.

“It was an amazing show and a great night,” producer Leetah Nickel says.

MU student Elise Lammert participated in the opening day in the Project: Design! competition and won the People’s Choice Award. Lammert, who will be graduating in December, has time to create her designs and be a full-time student.

“I don’t mind taking classes,” she says. “I’m kind of a super nerd.”

Fashion Week was not Lammert’s first show. From her previous shows, she’s learned how to keep a serene demeanor even when faced with unexpected challenges, like forgetting hangers for her garments for judging.

“I’ve been told it’s almost scarier that I don’t really show how I’m freaking out on the inside. … My friends will be like ‘Elise, it’s OK, you can cry if you want to,'” Lammert says.

Lammert describes her collection that won the hearts of the judges as “vices and drug addiction with a focus on rehab,” citing Amy Winehouse as her muse. Numerous pieces feature dresses made from cigarette and beer box cases. One number is a floor-length gown made entirely out of coffee filters.

When asked if she’s ever lost a show, Lammert slowly shakes her head. Despite her winning streak, Lammert’s colleagues say she manages to not become egotistical.

“Elise is a really caring designer,” model and MU student Kristi Lodderhose says. “She wants to make sure her models are comfortable in what they’re wearing. Sure, its her design, but it’s not all about her.”

It would seem the 20-year-old emerging designer has chosen a very high-stakes and high-profile career for someone of her nature.

“I’m the kind of person who doesn’t mind going to the movies alone,” Lammert says.

But perhaps what really makes her stand out against the high heels and fashion “bun heads” of the industry is her own personal sense of style.

“It’s like a 12-year-old boy: T-shirts and Keds,” she says.

With a victory like this, an incessant life of fashion shows and design patterns might await. But Lammert foresees a different path.

“I’d really like to be a professor,” she says. “You only get about 10 years in the industry.”