The Fashion Event to debut at Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center April 11
Annual live runway show to take attendees ‘Behind the Seams’
March 27, 2025
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Known as Auburn University’s premier fashion showcase and consistently awarded Most Excellent Campus Event for the spring semester, the College of Human Sciences 2025 edition of The Fashion Event will make a grand debut at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center — a brand-new venue for the live runway show on the evening of Friday, April 11.
This year’s theme, “Behind the Seams,” is all about shedding light on the dedication, artistry and technical skills that go into making the show a reality. In addition to the final designs on the runway — the theme sheds light on the countless hours of work spent behind the scenes that bring them to life. Lobby doors for the show will open at 6 p.m. while the theater opens at 6:30 p.m. and the event starting at 7 p.m.
The Fashion Event planning class is the true backbone of The Fashion Event as the preparation that goes into making the event a success requires a year-long course and dedication between the seven committees made up of consumer and design sciences (CADS) students who bring to life the mounted exhibits, e-portfolios, visual merchandising vignettes, live runway show and more. Selected students submit applications with their top three areas of expertise and are chosen to participate in an elective, three-credit hour course that spans two semesters and requires innumerable hours of out-of-classroom work to plan The Fashion Event each year.
Anslin Dryden, a senior majoring in apparel merchandising, now serves as The Fashion Event director after previous roles serving as the PR/social media chair and as a committee chair member in years past.
“I’ve been involved with The Fashion Event for three years, and it has been an incredible journey,” said Dryden. “I’m honored to take on the role of Fashion Event director and my favorite part of this experience has been overseeing the collaboration between all seven committees and witnessing how each moving part comes together to create something truly remarkable. Every team — from decorations and media to PR, fundraising and modeling and styling — plays a crucial role in bringing the event to life. It’s inspiring to see students from different backgrounds contribute their unique skills, whether it’s designing garments, curating visuals or creating promotional content.”
“Hosting The Fashion Event at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center for the first time is a milestone moment. The Gogue is a state-of-the-art venue that elevates the show to a whole new level, providing an incredible platform for both our designers and models."
Anslin Dryden, The Fashion Event Director
Previously, The Fashion Event has been held at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum as the 2024 version of the show saw more than 1,100 people come through the doors to attend.
This year, The Fashion Event makes its move to the Gogue Performing Arts Center where the upgraded venue will enhance the event in several ways.
“Hosting The Fashion Event at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center for the first time is a milestone moment,” said Dryden. “It is a state-of-the-art venue that elevates the show to a whole new level, providing an incredible platform for both our designers and models. Moving from Beard-Eaves to the performing arts center allows us to create a more immersive and professional experience for both the audience and the participants. I’m most excited to see how the elevated setting enhances the storytelling aspect of the show and gives our designs the spotlight they deserve.”
Although The Fashion Event lasts just a few hours, the impact it can have on College of Human Sciences students participating in the Fashion Event Planning Class can set them up for great success long after graduating from Auburn.
Ellis Thompson, a senior majoring in Apparel Merchandising, serves as the Decorations Committee Chair this year. She has been involved since her freshman year and said the behind-the-scenes work, hands-on experience and more will make her well equipped for a career in the fashion industry.
“Being part of The Fashion Event has provided me with hands-on experience similar to a future career in the fashion industry,” said Thompson. “I had the chance to design multiple visual merchandising displays, manage the budget for event decor, lead a committee and coordinate a team of volunteers. These experiences offered numerous opportunities to develop real-world skills, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to excel in my future career.”
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The College of Human Sciences hosted the 13th annual The Fashion Event on April 12.
For current students considering getting involved with The Fashion Event in the future, Lexi Haynes, a senior majoring in apparel design and production management and styling co-chair for 2025, highly recommends doing so.
“I would 100% recommend that every apparel merchandising or design student get involved in The Fashion Event in some way,” said Haynes. “It is so rewarding to work towards planning the event, then seeing it all come together. Whether you are in The Fashion Event Planning Class, designing looks for the show, or volunteering day of, being involved in The Fashion Event is a very fun and rewarding experience.”
Tickets for The Fashion Event must be reserved and are on a first come, first served basis. Students wanting tickets must sign in as a student then choose student tickets.
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