Fashion designers from LSU and all across the South will come together to see their designs on the catwalk this weekend for the Oneofakind Fashion Week.
Ella Rose, a recent University graduate, is known throughout the nation for her work and will be one of several designers representing her craft at the show. Rose has been invited to fashion weeks all around the country, from New York to Florida.
Rose’s velvet aesthetic is inspired by paintings of the ’70s. She said the irony of velvet Elvis paintings propelled her into the Monet paintings on velvet used in her designs.
Rose said a personal connection with the faculty and staff has helped her get the support she needs as a young designer. She said University faculty and students are doing a good job helping the University make a name within the fashion industry.
Julie Rapp, mass communication senior and lead coordinator for OBRFW, said this fashion week has allowed her to grow as a public relations practitioner and, most importantly, in her love for fashion.
“I thought this was a great opportunity to dive head first in this industry, and this was another way to dip my toes in something different and I loved it,” Rapp said, “I got a lot of experience with working this fashion week, and LSU has taught me all my writing and even simple communication skills.”
OBRFW was founded by producer Brandon Campbell, who created a similar fashion week experience in Little Rock, Ark. Campbell — a fashion, entertainment and live events producer — said fashion week is about the impact fashion has on the community.
Campbell said Baton Rouge offers the fashion industry a rare perspective. The city should celebrate being different, and with this fashion show, it is able to do so, he said.
Campbell said their work is a testament to the program at the University and how the professors have helped enhance the student’s craft.
“[When people come to the show] they will know LSU does have a program that is worthwhile and we have fantastic students,” Rose said.
University alumna Chelsea Brasted, an entertainment reporter for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, helped choose models for the event this weekend.
“Everyone came with a different attitude,” Brasted said. “Introverted people would become this different person as they walk the mini runway. … It was cool to see this evolution of people involved as they walked.”
Brasted also credited the University students, specifically Rose. She said she was excited to see some of Rose’s collection and she said this will be another great event that could add another “feather in the hat” for the Baton Rouge area.
Campbell said fashion allows the community to come together because of the effect fashion has on society.
Brittany Harris, who also helped find models for the event, has a non-profit centered on providing high school students with new or gently worn heels for prom.
“[OBRFW] will allow many local talent and youth to see the benefit of their work in Baton Rouge and allow them to be exposed to possibilities they may have never had before, and see the potential of what Baton Rouge has to offer,” Harris said.
This Saturday, event-goers will be able to see the work of fashion designers like Christopher Youngstar, Shonda-Ali Shamma, Brandon Campbell, JuJu’s Botique, Ms Smitty and several University fashion design students.
Oneofakind Fashion show hits the runway Saturday at the Capitol Park Museum, exhibiting the work of designers from all across the South and student designers from the University.
More information on the event and designers can be found at batonrougefashionweek.com.

Gallery • 7 Photos

(Angie Davis/Little Rock Fashion Week)