USC’s Fashion Industry Association (FIA), the premier student-run fashion organization, hosted its annual Spring Fashion Show experience on Saturday.
This year’s event, formally known as “SONDER,” was an artistic ode to unique, individualistic perceptions of the world.
The doors of the downtown L.A. venue opened at 6 p.m., with the show beginning officially around 7:30 p.m. and lasting about an hour. The annual experience was open to all, with tickets being sold by FIA for between 20 and 30 dollars, depending upon time of sale and discount.
Gianna Desdune, a USC student studying business administration and the music industry, was among many who attended the show for the first time to support their friends’ involvement.
“I thought the location was nice, I liked the set up of the chairs,” Desdune said. “I found out about the event through a friend who’s walking in the show. I thought I would come by to support, and I love fashion as well.”
The modern warehouse style event space was open and airy, allowing for a series of chairs organized in rows facing the runway. This offered all attendees a clear view of the fashion showcase.
The crowd was full of USC students, many of whom were excited to see popular USC affiliated brands in attendance, including Dulce, which provided attendees with free matcha, options including regular, oat milk and their signature blueberry matcha. A great perk for those who typically spend mornings in their long lines at the USC Village.
Additional sponsors and vendors of the event included WAFL Truck, Liquid Death, Joy Minks (Clothing Truck), Tinder, Garde-Robe, FIJI Water, DUFFL, Maya Peats, and Ani + Khris. Dulce, Liquid Death, and FIJI Water offered free refreshments to attendees, while the remaining vendors provided unique, curated shopping experiences for guests.
Soley Liati, a business administration major who was also in attendance for last year’s show, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. She enjoys witnessing the USC community come together to support in the name of art and support for one another’s creative endeavors.
“It’s a full house. I can feel the energy in the room. I got to drink free Dulce. There’s a DJ, the music is making me get excited,” Liati said. “I’m excited to see people walk in different designs. I get to see some of my friends.”
Alexandria Gee, a theater major with an emphasis in comedy came to support her friend, designer Muriel Clarke who showcased her collection,”ON3 LOV3,” a line filled with vibrant, colorful, feminine designs.
To Gee, the event felt like a “breath of fresh air,” as opposed to the monotony of life as a college student. It’s not everyday you get to attend a fashion show, and she was particularly drawn to “ICYGIRL COLLECTION” by Miranda Moreno in addition to “ON3 LOV3″ by Muriel Clarke.
Such positive feedback was invigorating to Madison Pottinger, a FIA E-Board member who served as the head casting director for this show, meaning the runway would not have been possible without her. One of her standout moments during the planning process was her first time meeting the models and feeling everybody’s energy and excitement.
“I’m feeling so happy. I’m glad everyone enjoyed it. The models had a great time,” said a joyful Pottinger, moments after the show’s conclusion.
The designers present in this fashion show were as follows: Lukas Ross featuring “PETRICHOR,” Ky Jeon featuring “DEAR KY,” Hanchen Xu featuring “KRAFFT,” Muriel Clarke featuring “ON3 LOV3,” Max Rosenberg featuring “REIMAGINED,” Angela Li featuring “BODIES BODIES BODIES,” Danielle and Angela featuring “D’ANGEL,” and Miranda Moreno featuring the “IcyGirl COLLECTION.”
More post-runway content can be found via the @uscfia Instagram.