Come May 11, University students will be strutting their stuff on the runway.
The LSU Fashion Association will be hosting its 10th annual student-run fashion show in the Student Union Royal Cotillion Ballroom. The show will feature original garments designed, made and styled by students. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m.
This year’s theme is decadence, which is a play on words with decade, since this is the 10th year. There are more than 30 designers showing, an increase from years past.
“Every year, we try to improve and open it up to more of the Baton Rouge community,” fashion show chair Grace Chetta said. “We think this’ll be our best year yet. It’s going to be a good show.”
A wide variety of garments will be shown, including casual wear, evening, swim, men’s and lingerie. After the show, there will be an after-party, open to the public, at Mahony’s Irish Pub.
The association is open to any University student, whether they are in the textiles, apparel design and merchandising program or not, but the club primarily works through this program. The group is geared toward students who are interested in the fashion industry and sets out to benefit students while enhancing their fashion knowledge.
“We are also involved in New Orleans Fashion Week,” Chetta said. “We try to keep students involved in local events and keep relations with LSU alumni through video chats and lectures.”
Not only is Chetta the fashion show chair, she is also a designer and will show a collection. Most of the seniors will show six pieces and the juniors will show a line of about three looks.
The seniors have a cohesive line with a source of inspiration, Chetta said. The juniors are still in the stages of learning their personal aesthetic, how to make patterns and how to get creative with different designs.
“It’s just our beginning work,” junior show chair Lydia Bays said. “We’re showcasing what we’ve done throughout the year.”
The fashion show will also feature a styling competition open to all members of the club. Participants will pick out an outfit from Time Warp Boutique, style it, and show it. The theme for the competition is retro reboot.
Marsh on the Catwalk, a showcase of garments and accessories made from alligator skin, will also be featured. The Fashion Association was given an alligator grant, which allows students to focus on their leather techniques through alligator skin.
Marsh on the Catwalk not only helps merge the show with the College of Agriculture but also connects the participants with their Louisiana roots.
After last year’s show, model Maria Vidrine joined a Baton Rouge modeling agency. She’s been practicing her walk and participating in local shows and photoshoots to build her portfolio.
“The process is very fast,” Vidrine said. “You go in, fit the clothes and that’s basically it until the day of the show.”
A casting call was held, where designers explained how many garments they had and what size models they needed. Fifty-five models were obtained for this year’s show.
Most of the designers began refining their collection this semester, Chetta said. Last semester, they found inspiration for their pieces.
“We have garments that we are required to finish for class, which allows us to get input from other students and faculty advisors,” Chetta said. “Anything extra we enter is done on our own time.”
Makeup and hair is sponsored by Paris Parker Salon and Spa, Skin Phanatics Day Spa and Aveda, Chetta said. Some members of the Fashion Association have volunteered to help out with this aspect as well.
“We have a lot of support from club members, faculty, the Baton Rouge community and, especially, Dean Bill Richardson,” Chetta said. “But my nerves won’t be gone until the show is over.”
Tickets range from $5-$20. A standing room only ticket is $5 for students and $10 for non-students. A general admission ticket is $20 at the door and $15 in advance.

Gallery • 15 Photos

Emily Brauner

LSU textiles, apparel, and merchandizing seniors prepare for LSU Fashion Association's upcoming fashion show.