Volunteering gives a behind the scenes look at the SCAD Atlanta Fashion Showcase
by Katherine Diaz Villegas
As any fashion enthusiast knows, even with years of preparation and organization fashion week is truly chaotic. For those who don’t know, it’s several large events that involve many people from all kinds of fields to showcase next season’s new looks. It does pay off, however, as fashion week is very exclusive so it creates a demand for the experience. Many would even stand outside in the cold and rain just to catch a glimpse of the supermodels, a favorite designer or one of many celebrities.
This past weekend was SCAD’s own fashion extravaganza, SCAD FASHWKND, and for the first time ever, the Atlanta campus got to join in the fun. Savannah had their usual runway show outdoors this year, which created beautiful color contrasts with all the different looks, while Atlanta took a different route in the form of vignettes. This lead the entire weekend to be a whole different kind of fashion experience where there was more room to play and cater to each specific look made by all of the senior fashion students.
The Atlanta Showcase began on the third floor of the main building, which guests would enter directly from the parking deck. Before guests walked through, staff asked that guests open their browser on their mobile device and follow along with a virtual pamphlet created to help guide the show. The pamphlet had each of the vignettes and information of their corresponding designer. Then, guests would pass small stations where there would typically be three or more models standing, sitting or switching poses with limited movement. All in all, it was a beautifully orchestrated event that produced a different type of experience for fashion lovers.
As a fashion design student, I was asked if I would like to help out and volunteer for the show. I jumped at the chance to witness the backstage aspect of something I myself might be involved in later on. I helped out both at the rehearsal on Saturday and the day of the event on Sunday. My role was a dresser so I helped unload all of the garments, unpack them, organize them and then help dress the models.
As with most fashion shows, everything kept getting pushed back as certain parts of the process would run later than others. This created some stress, but we all knew the show would come together beautifully. I was truly in awe of how much planning goes into these type of shows. Working behind the scenes really made me appreciate not just the amazing designers and models, but everyone else who contributes and makes sure the show runs smoothly and free of error.
I really encourage everyone to help out and volunteer. Be sure to check your email for any opportunities SCAD has for you. As a volunteer you learn so much and get to help put together amazing shows. They almost always provide you with a shirt, and if the day is long, some food and snacks. Helping out and and getting more experience was truly an amazing opportunity.
