At 6 p.m. this past Saturday, students and local fashionistas gathered at the SMU Meadows Museum of Art to view Dallas designers’ apparel and jewelry modeled down the runway.
Retail Club’s annual spring fashion show is usually held at the NorthPark Barneys.
However, this year the organization wanted to incorporate and support local Dallas talent into the show.
SMU senior Sarah Bray moderated an informational panel that was held prior to the event.
Students were able to ask SMU alumni in the fashion industry about their careers and advice for getting started in the retail world.
Panel member and PaperCity Magazine associate editor Christina Geyer encouraged students to become heavily involved and active in their internships because they are the gateway to a future job.
Neiman Marcus publicist Apryl Churchill urged students to be open minded about what facet of the industry they wanted to work in as they begin their careers.
“I was happy to see that sort of interaction in a conference-style setting. It is a step in the right direction for SMU and Dallas. I think the new minor will give the Dallas fashion world something to rally around,” panelist and showcased designer Amber Venz said.
During the show, students modeled clothing by Brianna Kavon, Julie Michel and Status, with accessories by Elizabeth Carlock, Amber Venz and current SMU student Ali Grace.
“It was great to see the Dallas based designers and retail clubs’ hard effort collaborated together to make such a wonderful show. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all the models walk down the runway in the unique setting of the Meadows Museum of Art,” sophomore Retail Club member Vee Vee Litchey said of this year’s show.
The designer’s looks garnered applause at the conclusion of the show and attendees continued to mingle and network after the show.
“I enjoyed the Julie Michel pieces, modern, but still casual and chic. And of course, I’ve always loved the work of Ali Grace,” SMU junior and fashion blogger Carson Eisenhart said.
To much success, Retail Club incorporated the Dallas community into the show and students were able to learn more about a career in the industry.
Retail Club Fashion Show co-chair Rebecca Marin agreed, “The show was a major success that gave great opportunities to a number of local Dallas designers. My team and I had gone through a lot of last minute stress, but I’m so proud of everyone for pulling through and doing such an amazing job with such little time. The Retail Club is looking forward to putting together another show like this one.”
