With Rio-inspired Carnivale costumes and fashion collections influenced by the far reaches of the earth, DEBUT had a global theme this year. More than 100 garments and other design projects were presented. The work of five Theatre Costume Design students was presented on the runway. Two 12 by 18-foot Aztec Kites led a samba-danced procession of forty dazzling costumes evoking the color and excitement of "Carnivale in Rio." The designs included elaborate, handmade bejeweled and feathered costumes, including a gilded King and Queen of Carnivale. Ten Advanced Study Fashion Design students continued the tour around the world as they presented their fashion collections. Guests were treated to styles influenced by places such as Africa, Britain, the former Russian Empire, and Los Angeles. The fashion extravaganza included a guest appearance by red carpet fashion expert, FIDM Grad Nick Verreos, who launched his media career on Project Runway. Verreos continues to teach at FIDM, while designing for his Nikolaki label. FIDM's industry partnership with Cotton Board/Cotton Incorporated provided students in Interior Design, Textile Design, and Fashion Design with the opportunity to collaborate on chairs and garments for the Chairing Styles Collection.