Imagine the scene. Hundreds of fashion enthusiasts, trendsetters and onlookers cram into one room hoping to view the latest ready-to-wear threads. It happens every year at groupMODA’s fashion show.
In fact so many people turn out, said Erryn Claxton, groupMODA vice president, that the venue quickly reaches capacity, forcing her organization to turn away crowds of them.
To address this problem, VCU’s only completely student-run fashion organization is this year stretching out its popular fashion show over two days to accommodate all who want to come.
Claxton said that extending the show also adds to its suspense because guests may or may not see the same designers on both days.
Expect to see “things that haven’t been seen before on the runway,” Claxton said. This year’s theme, ‘heavy rotation,’ hints at the fashion show’s soundtrack.
Taryn Laster, groupMODA’s sponsor coordinator, said that the show also serves to highlight VCU fashion design students who do not get enough recognition through the school.
“We want to make the student body and public aware of what the fashion students here are trying to do. I don’t think they get enough praise.”
The show features lines from student designers, local designers and clothing stores. Since the group’s first fashion show in the spring of 2001, the show has grown, attracting sponsors such as Betsy Johnson, Arden B., Exile, Up Against the Wall, Wet Seal and Sephora. Claxton won’t reveal designers taking part in the show this weekend because she said she wants that to remain a surprise. If you want to know you’ll have to go.
The groupMODA fashion show takes place 8-10 p.m., March 5 and 7-9 p.m., March 6 in the Commons. Admission is free and open to the public.