Every graduate needs to step out into the "real world" in style, and at Lynn University all styles are welcome as you'll see from the many styles of shoes that made their red carpet appearance at our 2013 commencement ceremony.
As coordinator of Lynn's Fashion and Retail Program, I teach our students how to create and produce fashionable clothes that integrate the latest trends, and I always have my eye out for what's next. Our students never disappoint me, as they often take brave steps to explore their own sense of fashion. This was especially evident during our commencement ceremonies.
It has become an annual tradition, and the students certainly did not let the uniform black robes and hats slow down their self-expression as their shoes made their mark on the walk of fame.
This year, most ladies were seen in high heels perhaps representative of reaching for the stars in their next phase in life. If heels were not involved, then it was the wedge that was usually happening, mostly in sweet grass, wooden or cork. And the men brought the wing-tip back to the front and agreed that the loafer is the way to go.
Last year, many mixes of the Gladiator were seen, but Rome has fallen. This year's forward-leaning examples sported studs, rhinestones and laces as fashion designers reached for the next best thing, adding to their successful designs of yesteryear.
We have brought you some of the standouts for our second annual Best Shoes of Lynn Commencement blog. I hope you enjoy viewing their fashionable selections, as I did when Lynn students stepped up to the commencement runway to receive their diplomas this year.