SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica College (SMC) Fashion Program is set to host its highly anticipated annual student fashion show, titled “LA Mode 2025,” an event poised to highlight the innovative vision and technical skill of its emerging design students. The show, themed “Style, Substance & Sustainability,” promises a comprehensive look at the future of fashion through the lens of academic training and burgeoning creativity.
Scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7 p.m., the event will transform the outdoor Core Performance Center Courtyard on the SMC Main Campus, located at 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, into a dynamic runway. Attendees will experience a curated selection of 25 distinct student collections.
Showcasing Diverse Styles
The 25 collections presented will span a wide spectrum of design approaches, reflecting the diverse learning pathways within the SMC Fashion Program. Styles on display will include casual wear, elegant cocktail attire, energetic club looks, and experimental avant-garde creations. This variety underscores the program’s commitment to fostering well-rounded designers capable of working across different market segments and creative aesthetics.
Before the main runway show commences, a “Mocha Carpet” pre-event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to engage with the event atmosphere and potentially interact with participants and industry guests.
Admission to “LA Mode 2025” is priced at $25 for general entry. Recognizing the student community, a reduced admission fee of $20 is available for college students presenting valid identification.
A Collaborative Academic Effort
“LA Mode 2025” is a testament to the collaborative spirit and practical, hands-on learning approach emphasized at Santa Monica College. The entire production of the fashion show is managed and executed by students enrolled in the Fashion Show Production course. This provides invaluable real-world experience in event planning, logistics, and execution within the fashion industry context.
The student production team operates under the guidance and leadership of esteemed fashion professors, including La Tanya Louis, Lorrie Ivas, and Wynn Armstrong. Their expertise helps shape the students’ understanding of the complexities involved in staging a major fashion event.
Furthermore, the show represents a cross-departmental collaboration within Santa Monica College. Essential support and contributions are provided by students and faculty from the SMC Photography, Media and Communication, and Cosmetology departments. This interdisciplinary cooperation mirrors the collaborative nature of the professional fashion world, where multiple skills and perspectives converge to bring creative visions to life.
Industry Engagement and Recognition
A key component of “LA Mode 2025” is its direct engagement with industry professionals. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising established designers, stylists, costume designers, retailers, and successful SMC alumni, will critically evaluate the student collections.
The judging criteria are designed to assess the collections based on factors crucial for success in the competitive fashion market: marketability, creativity, sustainability practices integrated into the designs, technical achievement in construction and finish, and overall outstanding collection design. The anticipation culminates in the live announcement of the winners during the event, offering significant recognition and exposure for the student designers.
Sponsorship and Awards
The event receives vital support from industry patrons. “LA Mode 2025” is proudly sponsored by Jeff Abrams, the founder of the popular apparel brand Rails. Mr. Abrams’ commitment to fostering emerging talent extends beyond sponsorship; he has also generously provided 20 fashion scholarships to support students within the SMC program.
The evening will also feature a special recognition: designer Kevan Hall will be presented with the eighth annual Style and Substance Award. Mr. Hall is a respected member of the SMC Fashion Advisory Board and a co-founder of the Black Design Collective, an organization dedicated to highlighting the impact of Black designers on fashion history and providing professional development opportunities.
Style, Substance & Sustainability
The chosen theme, “Style, Substance & Sustainability,” reflects a critical shift and growing imperative within the global fashion industry. By emphasizing sustainability, the SMC Fashion Program is preparing its students to address environmental and ethical considerations inherent in modern design and production. The show provides a platform for students to demonstrate how creative style can coexist with responsible practices, offering substance beyond aesthetics.
As Santa Monica College continues to cultivate the next generation of fashion leaders, “LA Mode 2025” stands as a significant milestone for its students, offering unparalleled exposure, professional feedback, and a celebration of creativity grounded in technical skill and forward-thinking principles.
