The Fashion Association at LSU recently hosted its 17th annual student-run fashion show on Sunday at Red Stick Social. This year’s sold-out show featured senior collections from textiles, apparel design and merchandising, a junior design category and a styling competition.
The theme of this year’s styling competition was “District XVII” in reference to the dystopian attire worn by characters of The Hunger Games series. Stylists were challenged to be resourceful when finding pieces and sought out local retailers and stand-out brands when creating outfits.
The judges of the competition were all alumni of the textiles and apparel design and merchandising departments. 
This was English and creative writing junior Allysan Cleveland’s second year modeling in the fashion show. She said networking was one of the most vital aspects of the event.
“I met so many amazing models and they were kind,” Cleveland said. “The designers are honestly so creative and talented. It feels like you get a first-hand look at designer pieces.”
A cocktail hour before the show gave everyone some time to socialize and get settled while participants made final touches to their pieces. Everyone took their seats at the outdoor space that the runway trailed through.
Models strutted smoothly and stopped to pose for photos while the background music transitioned based on theme of each collection.
The pieces themselves denoted many fashion trends that are gaining popularity at this time, such as corsets, ribbons, fur, boots and earth tones. Each collection was still unique, like a little piece of each designer’s vision being given a physical form.
Following the standing ovation, everyone retreated inside for photos, socializing, and announcing of the contest winners.
This fashion show is a helpful experience for young people seeking more experience in their concentration; designers, stylists, models and photographers all participated and played a role in the event.
They also got to network with each other and form connections that could in time lead to successful creative ventures.
Models are sourced for this event through a model casting call, in which many interested students participate in. Art sophomore, Simiya Bush, is one of them.
“My favorite parts of being in the show were meeting the other models and networking with them” Bush said. “And of course, walking the runway.”
The success of this event foretells a bright future for FALSU and its adjacent department. The talent of the students who bring this to life every year cannot be understated, and support of the arts at LSU is beneficial for everyone involved.