The Ask

11 individuals were selected to organize and implement the VCUarts Annual Fashion Show, “evoke”

Meet the Team

Co-Directors

Alina Taylor, Wendy Benson
Operations Committee: Front of House

Sophie Routh, Grèyson Foster
Operations Committee: Back of House

Mary Davis, Amber McLaggan, Johnathan Ham
Model Committee

Kalani Coleman, Haley Faison
Promotions Committee

Nathalie Santis, Emily Umeres

Key Skills

Collaboration

Adaptability

Problem Solving

Leadership

Organization

Time Management

Process

Model Call

This event attracted 120 model auditions. As co-director, I was responsible for ensuring that the model committee managed check-ins efficiently and that the operations committee effectively escorted models up and down the escalators for headshots, number assignments, and coordinated walks. I also oversaw the promotions team, which interviewed a variety of models.

Additionally, I had the privilege of sitting at the critics’ table alongside my fellow co-director Wendy Benson, critics Stephen Adkins and Ryan Azia, and several faculty members

Model Training

After the final models were selected, they were invited back for a two-hour training session led by industry professionals Stephen Adkins and Ryan Azia. During this intensive workshop, models received expert feedback and hands-on guidance to perfect their walk and stage presence. We also reviewed choreography to ensure every model was confident, synchronized, and fully prepared for the upcoming show.

Window Display

As part of the leather-making course, fashion designers' bags were featured in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts window display.

Wendy Benson and I installed the display, creating an eye-catching presentation that was showcased for a month prior to the fashion show for VMFA guests.

Jury

Each year, fashion design students submit their garments to be juried for potential inclusion in the annual fashion show. Wendy Benson and I organized a Google Drive folder compiling submissions from all 11 design courses offered in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025. After review, 82 garments were selected for the VCUarts Annual Fashion Show, evoke.

Fittings Week

It's crunch time! Fittings took place over an entire week, running daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. All selected models were required to sign up for a fitting slot during this period. Wendy Benson and I were present each day, alongside support from the rest of the show class. Several design professors also attended to assist with fittings and provide notes on necessary adjustments or alterations.

My responsibility was to document each fitting, recording the garment each model wore, the specific adjustments needed (e.g., hemming, taking in two inches), and evaluating which of the model’s shoes could potentially complement the outfit. Once fittings were completed, Wendy Benson and I finalized the model lineup and organized the show segments.

Dress Rehearsal

Long and exciting day! From 9 AM to 9 PM, we held our full dress rehearsal. We began at the Pollak Building, where we met Xpress Movers to load the four garments racks, red carpet, step-and-repeat backdrop, steamers, irons, ironing boards, and other supplies for transport to the VMFA.

Once we arrived, we unloaded everything and set up the back-of-house, while the runway, chairs, sound, and screen were being installed.

Models Arrive!

All models arrived at 3 PM for a full run-through, beginning in their street clothes and later transitioning into a complete dress rehearsal.

Choreography was demonstrated and led by Kalani Coleman, Haley Faison, and Wendy Benson, with additional coaching support provided by Stephen Adkins.

Alumni Event

This was the first year we transformed the dress rehearsal into an alumni event. Over 50 alumni attended, turning the rehearsal into a special occasion of its own.

I collaborated with Emily Campbell from Alumni Relations to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Dress Rehearsal BTS

Day of Show

Another day filled with dedication and laughter as we put the finishing touches in place before the big show at 7 PM!

Seating

I oversaw seating arrangements with support from Chair Deidra Arrington. I placed seating cards on each seat, ensuring that every senior in the design and the show class had a front-row spot.

Each senior received four reserved seats, while each junior was allotted two.

Handled all aspects of ticketing, including distribution and verification. Greeted and checked in guests as they arrived at 6 PM, ensuring a smooth and welcoming entry process. Provided assistance with seating inquiries and maintained a professional and organized front-of-house experience for attendees.