One of the nation’s largest student-run fashion shows is being planned by the Iowa State University Student Council. The Fashion Show is where the Apparel, Merchandising and Design Program (AMD) showcases their work.

The AMD program provides education on the textile and garment industry along with creation. Product development, marketing and production are key aspects of this program.

“This gives design students an opportunity to showcase the work they’ve been working on throughout their college careers, especially the senior collection,” said Liv Makeever, Managing Producer and AMD Sr.

With a focus on merchandising, Makeever has an opportunity to host a big event on their resume.

In addition to student designers, fashion shows also partner with guest designers. Currently, outreach producers’ main job is to find themes and partner companies. In the past it has included Patagonia, Vans and Urban Outfitters.

Abby Ashbacher, Outreach Producer and AMD Sr. “This includes the models that we choose. It’s good for the model because we can not only model the clothes that the student designed, but also the guests can name the clothes of her designer’s brand. It’s an opportunity.”

In addition to Makeever and Ashbacher, the planning committee consists of AMD seniors Julia Tighe and Audrey McMillan, and Faculty Advisor Sarah Bennett-George. Students joined the company as freshmen and began working their way to producer positions. Since August, they have been meeting regularly to plan their shows.

“It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in our major, which we find most rewarding,” said Ashbacher.

Models are being cast now and it’s never too late to sign up. The last day for auditions is Thursday and time slots are still available. Casting does not discriminate on gender representation or body type. The only requirements are to wear form-fitting clothing, heels, and natural hair and makeup. Modeling judges will base castings on confidence, composure, and the model’s runway walk.

“We talk to designers to see what kind of clothes they make,” says Makeever. “The different size ranges, gender presentations they want to see in their line.”

After the model is selected, the designer chooses which model to use. Here, the models try on the clothes that will be presented on the runway.

Makeever described the show day as “organized chaos”. Because he had three committees, production, design and model, all working behind the scenes in separate sections. DJs, hosts and guest designers will also be stationed in this area prior to the show.

Outreach Producer Tighe said: “We definitely all have that passion and love the whole fashion show experience.”

The annual event, the fashion show, will take place on April 15, 2023 at the Stevens Auditorium. The team expects around 2,000 guests to attend, and the event will be streamed live on YouTube.