by Sadie Gregoire
April 17, 2025

In the sewing lab at Genesee Community College (GCC), the atmosphere is lively – fabric piles high on tables and the hum of sewing machines fills the room, accompanied by music and laughter from students working on various projects. At the heart of this bustling environment is Laura Taylor, the head of GCC’s fashion program.

Taylor’s journey to the fashion world wasn’t always planned. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a large animal vet tech, but severe allergies at the age of 14 forced her to reconsider that path. Instead, she began teaching at GCC in 2009 as a part-time instructor, noticing a disconnect between younger and older generations of sewers. She sought to bridge that gap through her teaching.

“What I want my students to take away from this program is expertise, an understanding of time management, and the ability to enter the fashion field confidently,” Taylor said. Her goal is to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

One of Taylor’s students, Fabiola Perez, serves as president of the Behind the Runway Club and co-leader of marketing for the upcoming fashion show. Perez, who is working on a scene inspired by Renaissance art for the Fashion Show, describes the event as “very unique.” This year’s show, titled “Masterpiece Unfolding,” will feature 14 distinct scenes that highlight students’ creativity as they incorporate various art styles into their clothing designs.

Taylor’s dedication to her students is evident in her teaching approach. She often sacrifices her own time to assist students, even during lunch breaks. “The students are talented. I have the best students in the school,” she said. Taylor is particularly uplifted when students help each other, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

One of Taylor’s proudest moments was seeing Kento Takayama, a former student, establish his own fashion brand in New York City. “I’m proud of all my students, but Kento really stands out,” she said.

Aside from teaching, Taylor is an accomplished designer, having worked on wedding dresses and football jerseys, and she’s received the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. She’s also owned three businesses throughout her career.

When reflecting on her most rewarding moments, Taylor mentioned the excitement of the annual fashion show, fashion week, and seeing students succeed. Her students’ success doesn’t stop at graduation—companies frequently reach out to GCC students for internships, and the Behind the Runway Club earned “Club of the Year” honors.

Despite her many achievements, the moment Taylor cherishes most is seeing her students sew with passion and enjoyment. “Watching my students sew and love what they do is the most rewarding part of my career,” she said.

The 2025 GCC Fashion Show will take place on May 3 at 5:00 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena.