Students prepare in style for annual MODA fashion show

The production of a fashion show isn’t just about the designers, it also involves merchandisers and buyers. People may think that a fashion show just involves models strutting down the catwalk wearing a designer’s clothes.

That is only one part of putting together a fashion show. Behind the scenes, there’s also people working together to create a fashionable environment for the audience.

The MODA Fashion Show is presented by Fashion Design Instructors Rita Campo-Griggs and Chetna Bhatt. Both have worked in the fashion industry for numerous years, so they know a thing or two about organizing a fashion event.

“Designers begin with a sketch which becomes a realization then comes to life in the execution of the garment. Merchandisers promote style and make products desirable for buyers,” Campo-Griggs said.

This year’s fashion theme is Global View. The idea of this theme reflects how fashion is a major economic industry all around the world.

“(We want to) educate the public on fashion is a big business,” Campo-Griggs said. “Fashion is a trillion-dollar industry. Everything from costumes in entertainment to everyday apparel, it’s all about manufacturing textile.”

“All around the world, there are countries coming together to make one garment,” noted Campo-Griggs when further explaining the concept of Global View.

Fashion Design student Daisy Guzman is one of the designers in this year’s fashion show. Her designs will be included within a group at the very end of the show.

“My designs are inspired by the psychedelic, trippy nature of Scooby Doo,” Guzman said. According to Guzman, this show will be a lot different from last year’s show.

Yui Moriki, a Fashion Design student, is graduating from Palomar and is excited for her designs to be included in the show.

“(My designs take inspiration from) a Japanese Kimono mixed with a regular dress. I like to call it a Kimono Dress,” she said.

Fashion Designer Mariana Gavaghan said she is very proud of her fashion designs that will be showcased in the show. Her designs are inspired by Day of the Dead with a new age twist.

“People can expect color. Lots of color. I was inspired as it’s my heritage and I just really like Day of the Dead,” she said.

Although not all the designers are being showcased at the show, they also have many bright ideas of what they would have designed for the show.

Fashion Designer Ashley Colvin said she would have implemented a military-inspired outfit if she was in the show. Stylistically different from the military theme, Designer Anna Pena would have designed her creations with a touch of spring, including pastel colors and utilizing flowers. Gaining inspiration from the gaming and cosplay world, Designer Ines Reyes would have loved to design her creations modeled after Assassin’s Creed.

The Fashion Merchandising students seem to know what they want to do with their fashion expertise. Merchandiser Andie Cabero said she would love to one day become a buyer for a major retail store.

Both Kristen Seneff and Hannah Ramirez share the same outlook of working with Anthropologie, a retail store. Hannah Bassett said she aspires to become a stylist, while Angel Putney wants to pursue a career in Visual Merchandising.

“I really hope people come see it, to get a new perspective of a fashion student,” Reyes said.

This year, the hard work went into preparing for the annual MODA Fashion Show, which took place May 8 at the California Center for the Arts Concert Hall in Escondido. For moreinformation, contact the Fashion Department at (760) 744-1150 ext. 2349.