Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director finds inspiration at DAAPworks 2026

When Evans Mirageas, Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, visited DAAPworks 2026 to review senior Fashion Design projects, he was inspired not only by the work itself, but by the possibilities for future collaboration.

Mirageas, currently in his 20th season as The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, is widely recognized as one of the most respected artistic leaders in classical music today. Over the course of his career, he has worked across opera, symphonic music, radio production, recording, and artistic planning, collaborating with many of the world's leading conductors and performers.

At DAAPworks, Mirageas joined a group of industry and community partners invited to review graduating student work and select projects for the Creative Impact Awards.

Fashion Design holds a significant place within DAAP's creative legacy. Part of the School of Design, the program combines studio practice with experiential learning and co-op experiences, helping students move between conceptual exploration and professional application. DAAP itself has long been recognized among the nation's leading design schools, known for its emphasis on hands-on learning and industry engagement.

Concept artwork for Addison Lane's fashion collection, "Pilot."

Among the 42 collections Mirageas reviewed, one project particularly captured his attention: Pilot, created by graduating Fashion Design student Addison Lane.

The collection follows "a young, free pilot moving without a fixed destination, guided by curiosity, risk, and self-trust, where the world becomes something to explore and define on one's own terms," drawing inspiration from traveler wear, aircrafts, and aerodynamic forms. The work explores uncertainty as a space for growth, with the parachute acting as both metaphor and design language.

Mirageas selected Pilot as his winning project, a collection that also went on to receive one of DAAPworks' Director's Choice Awards.

This avant-garde look not only closed out Lane's collection, but the entire DAAP fashion show.

Evans Mirageas Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera

"My profession draws me to those designers whose sense of fantasy can be read through clothing, creating larger-than-life situations, experiences, and emotions." For someone whose career has revolved around storytelling through music, performance and visual spectacle, the connection to fashion felt natural.

The visit also encouraged conversations beyond DAAPworks itself. Mirageas expressed interest in strengthening relationships between Cincinnati Opera and DAAP, including opportunities for students to engage with the Opera's costume and wardrobe collections, explore behind-the-scenes creative environments and potentially collaborate on future projects.

The conversation reflects one of the defining aspects of DAAP's educational model: learning that extends beyond the classroom and creates pathways between students and professional practice.

Lane's runway collection at the DAAP fashion show.

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Article and interview conducted and written by Carolina De Salvo.

Photo provided Evans Mirageas by Mikki Schaffner

Featured image at top and article images from student Addison Lane's "Pilot"

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