The voices of quacking ducks and bleating lambs filled the air as 17 sleek models gracefully strutted through the gates of the Sheep and Swine Barn during the “JEANesis: The Origins of Denim” fashion show held Tuesday by the Department of French Studies.A seven-judge panel observed the show to find the three models that stood out amongst the rest. The judges were looking for models that portrayed great charisma and professionalism. The title of first place and a $1,000 plane ticket to any French-speaking country went to Yohance Myles, theatre graduate student. Leah Muller came in second place and received a $250 gift certificate to Esopi Galleries. Grant Gutierrez, Daily Reveille photographer, placed third and will receive at $250 photo shoot with a local photographer.”It was a little intense. The show was put on with such a high caliber,” Myles said. “But it was really fun.”Myles speculates that he will use his ticket to travel to France but he has yet to decide which city.Jean Xavier Brager, French business professor and artistic director of the show, has used the fashion show as a class project for the past three years. JEANesis was used as a showcase for what the students learned in terms of public relations, marketing, advertising and event planning. “I felt that fashion was a great compromise and way to showcase French culture.” Brager said.The theme for the fashion show was based on the myth that denim originated in Nîmes, France, as a means to negotiate prices. Brager explained the show was used to pay a tribute to the intertwined destinies of France and Louisiana. JEANesis collaborated European fashion with the classic ideals of labored denim.”The ambience and atmosphere really allowed the models to connect to the audience and show off the clothes and their personalities,” Brager said. “The show gave a link to labor craftsmanship and fashion.”The show’s location and incorporation of livestock into the show truly exhibited the chosen theme. Rabbits, ducks, chickens and goats were strategically mixed onto the runway. The models held the smaller animals, while the goats walked alongside.”I thought having animals in the show would be hectic,” said Quinn Connors, sophomore apparel design student and runway coach for JEANesis. “But it ended up easy. We just made sure the models were comfortable with the animals.”For men, classic pieces such as jeans accompanied by a T-shirt and fedora were modeled. On the unconventional side of the fashion spectrum, male skirts and red sheer draping fabric over the arms and shoulders to emulate a matador were worn.For women, bright high-waisted skirts and different arrays of dress were worn. The girls also modeled jeans and more casual looks. Colorful scarves were incorporated into most ensembles. The boutiques My Louise, Maude, KadStar, Nove and Esopi provided clothing for the show. The Paris Parker salon’s artistic team did hair and makeup. —-Contact Lindsay Nunez at [email protected]