By Lookout Staff

June 2, 2023 -- LA Mode 2023 -- the Santa Monica College (SMC) Fashion Program's annual show on June 16 -- will feature a dozen student collections inspired by eclectic global styles.

The show's theme “Style & Substance IRL” will begin at 7 p.m. on in the Core Performance Center Courtyard (adjacent to the quad) on the main SMC campus (1900 Pico Boulevard, event organizers said.

The Magenta Carpet begins at 5 p.m. with sponsor giveaways and the chance for alums, current students and fashion industry guests to connect in person during the first live show since 2019.

"The show’s eclectic mix of casual, cocktail, club, and avant-garde styles will feature 12 collections, reflecting each designer’s future aspirations," organizers said.

The collaborative affair includes SMC photography students “shooting” the show and the designers’ look book photos under the direction of SMC Photography professors.

Designer interview videos were produced and edited by media and communication students and SMC’s photography, media, and communication students will be covering behind-the-scenes content up to show time.

In addition, SMC cosmetology students will be creating the looks for hair and make-up, organizers said.

The event, carried out by the Fashion Show Production students, is led by SMC fashion professors La Tanya Louis — LA Mode Show Producer and Collections Director — Lorrie Ivas, SMC Fashion Advisory Board-Industry Judge Director, and Wynn Armstrong, Technology Consultant.

"The truly global collections" reflect the talents of students "who came to SMC from the Los Angeles area, across the United States, and around the world," organizers said.

They were developed as part of the two-year fashion studies at SMC by students who "persevered through the pandemic, adjusting to online coursework, and returning to the studio to complete their collections."

Industry professionals — from designers, stylists, and costume designers to retailers — will judge the collections.

The show is sponsored by the Magna Carta Foundation. Prizes are donated by Netflix, Tukatech, Aims360, members of the Santa Monica Community and other LA fashion industry supporters.

Admission is $25 ($20 college students with I.D.).

More information is available at smc.edu/LaMode or by sending email to LaMode@smc.edu, as well as by visiting @SMClamode on Instagram and SMC LA Mode Fashion Show on Facebook.