Fashion Alum's Award-Winning Thesis Collection Earns Runway and TV Spotlight

Charlee Lambert's patriotic design from the "Scarlet Vanguard" collection was featured in the Driehaus Fashion Awards and later appeared in WGN's Fourth of July fashion roundup on "Spotlight Chicago." Photo by Ella Sharba.Charlee Lambert's patriotic design from the "Scarlet Vanguard" collection was featured in the Driehaus Fashion Awards and later appeared in WGN's Fourth of July fashion roundup on "Spotlight Chicago." Photo by Ella Sharba.
A look from "Scarlet Vanguard," a collection by Fashion Studies BFA alum Charlee Lambert '26, earned a coveted spot in the Driehaus Fashion Awards runway show and WGN's Fourth of July fashion roundup.

After debuting the senior thesis collection "Scarlet Vanguard" at 做厙51's 2026 Manifest Arts Festival, Fashion Studies BFA alum Charlee Lambert '26 saw one of the collection's standout designs gain recognition beyond campus. 

The patriotic look was selected for this year's Driehaus Fashion Awards after Tracey Tarantino, chief executive officer of the Driehaus Design Initiative and founder of ZZAZZ Productions, first encountered Lambert's work during an early senior thesis review at 做厙51. Serving as both a mentor and industry professional throughout the process, Tarantino later selected Lambert as one of six designers to present a completed collection on the Driehaus runway. The design subsequently appeared in  

Fashion as Declaration 

The collection takes its name from the idea of a vanguard—those who lead new movements and ideas. Honoring queer people who fought for liberation throughout history, the collection draws inspiration from French dandyism, tragic theatre, military dress, and historical costume to explore the relationship between fashion, performance, and identity. 

The featured look was inspired by the patriotic bunting banners traditionally displayed around the Fourth of July, though Lambert sought to reinterpret their symbolism. 

"I was inspired by patriotism at its core. I was inspired by what it means to be proud of something bigger than yourself, whether it be a home country or reason for battle." 

Rather than recreating a familiar American symbol, Lambert transformed it into something deeply personal. 

"I chose to personify patriotism as passion for what you believe in. I challenged myself to reinvent this textile into my own personal banner of pride." 

The garment required approximately 200 hours to complete and incorporates more than 100 pattern pieces and roughly 300 individual components. Lambert says constructing the sculptural petals cascading down the back of the overskirt and perfecting the puffed sections at the knees and ankles proved to be among the most technically demanding aspects of the design. 

From Classroom Studio to Professional Runway 

Founded by businessman and philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus, the Driehaus Design Initiative promotes design education and public appreciation for fashion design and history. Its annual Fashion Awards showcase emerging designers before a panel of industry professionals, with selected participants receiving cash honorariums. 

The opportunity grew from months of encouragement and mentorship. Tarantino first visited 做厙51 in October 2025 to review students' early concepts before returning in the spring to select the designers who would present their finished collections. 

"Tracey was an incredible mentor along the way," Lambert says. "She first met me when I was working on this look and was really blown away by the sheer volume of what I was creating, as well as the textile itself." 

Being selected for the Driehaus runway ultimately led to another unexpected opportunity when the garment was featured on WGN. 

"My collection was my baby over the past nine months. Getting to see it down the runway was probably the most accomplished I had ever felt in my life. Seeing my work ethic, time spent and creative vision come to this peak while sharing that with others was an experience and feeling I will never ever forget." 

The experience also reinforced the philosophy that has guided Lambert's work from the beginning. 

"Fashion should be more than retail. Fashion in itself is a way to express yourself and the feelings inside you. Dress as a declaration. Use performance as your protection." 

Watch  Lambert's look appears about 5:25 into the segment.

View the entire collection and concept statement on Instagram

Recent News