College of Human Sciences 15th annual Fashion Event returns to Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center with ‘Full Circle’ theme April 2

After the successful debut of The Fashion Event at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center in 2025 that brought more than 1,200 attendees to see Auburn University’s premier fashion showcase, this year’s edition returns to the Gogue where College of Human Sciences Consumer and Design Sciences students will take center stage Thursday, April 2.

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‘Behind the Seams’

The 2025 edition of The Fashion Event welcomed close to 1,200 guests to the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center for the first time. The incredible evening was a celebration of peak creativity — all made possible by College of Human Sciences consumer and design sciences students.

Awarded Most Excellent Campus Event for the spring semester of 2024, the theme of the 15th annual Fashion Event is “Full Circle,” and is rooted in the idea that fashion is cyclical. Fashion trends are constantly evolving, reappearing and being reimagined over time. This year’s show will highlight how the past influences the present, and how what we create now can shape the future of fashion. Beyond that, the theme also speaks to personal growth and transition.

Abbey Grace Tuck, a junior majoring in Apparel Design and Production Management, took over the role of Fashion Event Director for 2026 where she helps oversee the entire production, working alongside committees in The Fashion Event planning and management classes to coordinate everything from planning and scheduling to making sure each part of the show comes together seamlessly.

“I’ve been connected to The Fashion Event since my senior year of high school when I came to watch the show and immediately knew that when I became a student at Auburn, I wanted to be part of the planning process that produces The Fashion Event,” said Tuck. “My freshman year, I volunteered on the decorations committee, and then my sophomore year I was accepted into the planning class and given the opportunity to officially serve on the decorations committee. Now, I have the honor of serving as this year’s Fashion Event Director, which has been the most rewarding and unforgettable experience.”

Lobby doors for the show will open at 6 p.m. while the theater opens at 6:30 p.m. and the live runway show will begin at 7 p.m.

The Fashion Event returns to the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts on Thursday, April 2.

One of those students that works alongside Tuck is Lily Woods, a junior majoring in apparel merchandising with a business and marketing minor, who serves as the public relations and social media chair for The Fashion Event. Woods helps oversee the digital presence and creates content that promotes the show, engages the audience and builds excitement leading up to the event.

“My favorite part has been watching everything come together behind the scenes,” said Woods. “From early planning and brainstorming content to seeing fittings, practices and the final pieces come to life, it is so rewarding to see everyone’s hard work pay off. There is also something really special about the energy and sense of community within the team —everyone is so passionate and driven, which makes the entire experience even more meaningful.”

The advantages of The Fashion Event returning to the Gogue Performing Arts Center means a beautiful and elevated setting that truly enhances the experience for both the designers and the audience.

“After the success of last year’s show, there’s a lot of anticipation, and I think returning to that space will make this year’s production even more impactful,” added Tuck.

Each year, the impact The Fashion Event can have on College of Human Sciences students is truly remarkable — potentially setting them up for great success long after graduating from Auburn.

“For me personally, serving as director has pushed me to grow in my leadership more than anything else,” said Tuck. “I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up consistently, serving others well and creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered to do their best work. It’s also given me a deeper understanding of the full process behind a production like this, from concept development to execution, which is so valuable for any career in the fashion industry. You’re not just designing or planning in theory — you’re actually doing it.”