Story by Elise Teichman and Kayla Le Fevre, students in DM 474 Fashion Show Production and Event Planning
Colorado State University is hosting its annual fashion show put on by the skilled students of the Department of Design and Merchandising. This year’s theme is “City Strut: The Sidewalk is Your Catwalk” and will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, in the Stadium Club at Canvas Stadium.
Over 60 models will strut their stuff at the show on May 5 to highlight student design work. Tickets have sold out, but the public will still have the option to experience the show from home. A live stream of the show will be available on Instagram and Facebook @CSUfashionshow.
Dreaming up their collections
Seventeen talented senior designers in the apparel design and production concentration will showcase their capstone collections in this one-of-a-kind setting.
The designers embody individualism in their design collections. Each designer created a collection of pieces that represent their personal design styles. “City Strut” will showcase 17 collections including Lauren Cunningham’s “Chaotic Order.” Cunningham stated that her collection was based on, “Ancient Greek History, including the myths, architecture, and environment with modern silhouettes.” The designers were given creative freedom to design what really speaks to them. This allows each designer to develop a sense of what designing means to them.
Behind the curtain
The Fashion Show Planning and Production course (DM 474) makes this show possible. Four committees have been hard at work making this a memorable show.
The class work began in January, with the group divided into four committees, each one with separate functions and tasks that serve one purpose: to showcase the senior collections in an inspiring and dedicated display of fun, fashion, and tribute. The committees include promotions and publicity, model and garment, sponsorships and VIP reception, and set and stage design.
For the first couple of weeks, the classroom was buzzing with each committee establishing specific roles and brainstorming theme ideas for the show. Collectively, the class created the theme of “City Strut,” with the tagline “The Sidewalk is Your Catwalk.” The theme communicates self-expression, confidence, diversity, and the bustling, eccentric community of designers. Their talent and creativity will be on display with garment collections that connect all walks of life to embrace every style and outfit.
Once a theme was established, the real work kicked in with each committee dedicating hours to ensuring every detail is flawless for the upcoming show. Students were tasked with designing posters, programs, and social media posts to heighten community engagement. Inspiration thrived while the model and garment committee planned the show order, then held a model call in search of enthusiastic volunteers.
The set and stage committee carefully crafted an innovative stage design that maximizes audience numbers while honoring the designers. And the show could not go on without sponsors, so the sponsorships and VIP reception committee reached out to local businesses and alumni for sponsorships and arranged a reception for alumni, donors, and industry partners.
A variety of inspired students collaborated throughout the course to ensure all attendees receive the ultimate stylized experience. In and out of class, the students of DM 474 apply skills learned throughout their university and life experience to organize the event to honor the student designers.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.