Every year the University’s fashion club, Hemline, puts together its annual trunk show, transforming the lobby of the Human Ecology building into an oasis of chic, adorned with racks of attire and jewelry courtesy of Baton Rouge and New Orleans’ best designers.
Hemline’s annual trunk show kicked off Wednesday and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.
Founded in 2005, Hemline offers a space and community for fashion majors and students with an interest for fashion to gain relevant experience in the fashion industry and to showcase their talents.
“Our trunk show is a great way to show the campus who we are and what we’re about,” said Lindsey Hartman, fashion merchandising junior and merchandising representative for Hemline. “It is a chance for any LSU students, who may not be members, to discover us as a club and as a unique part of the student body. It is also a great opportunity for students to make connections with local designers and learn about their path to success.”
Each day, four unique vendors and designers will have clothes and accessories on sale. The trunk show showcases local talent and their merchandise while raising funds for Hemline’s year-end fashion show.
“The trunk show is a great opportunity for us to raise money for Hemline,” said senior apparel design major Jessica Sapera. “A percent of the proceeds go to the club and we use them to fund our big year-end fashion show.
The trunk show offers students an alternative to the run-of-the-mill clothes at the mall and an excellent opportunity to support local designers and boutiques. Recent University alumna and previous member of Hemline Ella Rose is also showcasing her designs at the trunk show on Friday.
“The vendors are amazing this year. Today we had And Gold by Amanda DeLeon and Chain Reaction by Celia DiRos,” Sapera said. “Their merchandise was so fun and unique, some items were one of a kind. It’s definitely something to stop by and see.”
Another designer to look out for is Small Change Finery. Characterized by jewelry with an industrial feel, Small Change Finery uses unexpected household objects and objects in nature to create jewelry. With local designers, every piece of jewelry, every garment, every handbag has a story behind it that can be difficult to find at major retailers.
“I think shoppers will feel good about supporting local businesses as well as their fellow students,” Hartman said. “Not to mention there is some really amazing merchandise, which makes it very hard to pick a favorite designer or retailer. I really think that this year is going to be a complete knock-out. There will be something for everyone and every style.”