Columbia is certainly not known for being a bastion of great fashion. Except for those few daring exceptions, this campus has its fair share of sweatpants—particularly during finals season, and when the weather is as awful as it was this week.

In search of something different (and looking for a more creative way to procrastinate), Weekend guru Olivia Aylmer and I headed downtown for the Fashion Institute of Technology’s annual graduates’ collection runway show.

For the BFA candidates, the end-of-the-year presentation is the equivalent of a thesis defense here at Columbia: They’ve spent their entire college careers gearing up for this show, where their designs will be judged by fashion design luminaries like Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg, as well as industry insiders like Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week.

And these students did not disappoint. I couldn’t help but feel a little sheepish about a semester of hastily-put-together essays as I watched their creations walk the catwalk.

From the absolutely stunning red carpet fare to the daring and sexy lingerie, these young designers proved judge and Daily Beast columnist Kate Betts right: “These are the future Donna, Calvin, and Ralphs.”

Olivia Aylmer/Spec

The show began with a bang, opening with an intricate, futuristic pony hair jacket from Mallory Williams. Most of the sportswear collections had a modern, sharp edge, particularly Juan Mota’s perfectly tailored take on the tuxedo: almost cement colored, the touches of red at the collar and in the trousers were fun yet subtle.

Olivia Aylmer/Spec

The next section broke the audience’s composure, as they smiled and giggled when the glamazon models were replaced with children. The standout piece was without a doubt the pewter organza dress by Tara Ricci that literally floated down the runway.

Olivia Aylmer/Spec

Less whimsical and enjoyable, the knitwear section occasionally fell into overdone styles (does anyone actually wear a chunky cable knit sweater vest?). But other looks, like Shannon Green’s beige and neon sweater dress were so on point and on trend that they made up for the less creative designs.

Olivia Aylmer/Spec

Arguably the most detail oriented, the red carpet dresses featured ethereal and romantic styles, with what I can only imagine to be hundreds of hours-worth of lace embroidery, ruching, and beading. Andrea Lucchese’s blush chiffon ensemble took my breath away, from the sculptural bustline to the translucent skirt, covered in origami-like piecework.

On the other hand, Jordan Randolph proved that a simple, beautifully cut gown can be just as powerful: His black wool number was conservative, but evoked a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” sentiment that was refreshing in a sea of embellishment.

Olivia Aylmer/Spec

Ending the show as strongly as it began, the lingerie designers revived the crowd with vampy bustiers and some much-needed sparkle.

With one or two looks from each designer, this was only a taste of what these young talents have to offer. To see the full runway show for yourself, click here.