UCI’s Future Designers Have Their Runway

One of designer Nguyen's models strikes a pose for the judges as cameras flash away at her.

The Pacific Ballroom at UCI’s Student Center, which is normally orderly arranged for speeches, was turned into a fashion show Wednesday night complete with a catwalk and judges’ table for Fashion Interest Group’s (FIG) 8th Annual Spring Fashion Show.

The show involved not only a competition for five young designers to win a $3000 scholarship to Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), but also a dance performance by UCI dance group MCIA, raffle giveaways sponsored by companies such as Sprinkles Cupcakes, and a heartfelt speech by 16 year old cancer survivor Kate Lopez, a spokesperson from Make a Wish Foundation, which benefited from the net proceeds of the event.

Getting Ready

At 6 p.m., 30 minutes before show time, over 100 guests trickle into the auditorium as camera crew prepare their equipment to capture the show. Behind the scenes in the adjacent room it is more hectic as designers frantically make finishing touches on their dresses and models touch up each other’s makeup.

Two models help each other with their make up before the show starts.

Sheila Espinosa, a designer and MC for the show, will be displaying her line, “La Sirene”, which is about capturing the fierceness of a sirene. “I really want everyone to enjoy the event and feel that they are a part of something amazing.” Sheila says with a smile.

Designer Esperanza Botello would like to work in the fashion industry one day. Her line, “Hope Bottle”, focuses on long classical dresses and colorful floral prints. Having just completed her final piece the night before, all Esperanza hopes is that her models will be ready to strut the catwalk when her name is called. “My goal is to have four models that are alive and can walk. That’s about it,” she says with a nervous smile.

One designer with a strong determination to win is last year 2nd place winner, Linda Nguyen. Now a sophomore, Nguyen feels pressured to do even better than last year and possibly win 1st place. Having sewn since the age of seven, Nguyen hopes to one day have her designs featured in L Magazine. She invested over $700 and five months into creating her line, “Le Papillon Noir”, which includes mermaid style dresses in different hues of white and blue. “I really want to launch my brand. I can’t leave the fashion world without leaving some kind of legacy. A girl can dream right?”

Showtime

After the MCs, Elaine Nguyen and designer Espinoza, give the introductions at 6:30 p.m., followed by Lopez, and a singing performance by drama student Ashley Dylan, Espinoza’s designs finally start off. Botello’s comes next and then finally Mailor Lee’s.

Botello (2nd to the right) comes onto the runway with her four models after they finish their catwalk.

The judges, which include two representatives from FIDM and last year’s winner Thida Kol, display serious looks while making occasional smiles and comments to one another as the models make their way to them. The models, UCI students who auditioned in their own competition to be in the show, all appear unfazed as people with large cameras flash away at them from all sides, lighting up the slightly dimmed room. The audience claps and woos as each designer comes out with her models after showing off her line.

During intermission VIP guests flock to the complimentary dessert table filled with homemade sweets while other guests check out the jewelry vendor, Kendra Scott. Seated guests discuss with each other the designs they liked best. Botello’s pink cocktail dress with tulle skirt and flower embellishments receives some praise. “I really love the pink dress in Esperanza’s line. The shape and details made it really pretty,” audience member and second time attendee, Queenee Mak says.

After intermission, remaining competing designers Rachel Sun and Nguyen show off their designs. First year Sun’s six designs are varying colored fantasy like dresses, some with long trains. Lastly is featured designer Paulina Dao, a noncompeting designer who received help with dresses. Her designs have a more modern feel with four party cocktail dresses and one classic black evening gown.

Sun (center) gets ready to take a bow with her models.

“Are the judges ready to announce the winner?” MC Nguyen asks after MCIA finishes their dance performance. The room falls silent. The five competing designers make their way to the front of the runway facing the judges. Judge Kol slowly announces the 3rd place winner Sheila Espinosa, 2nd place winner Linda Nguyen, and finally 1st place winner Esperanza Botello. The crowd cheers as the designers receive their trophies and medals. Still on the runway, the designers hug and congratulate one another.

After getting off the stage, Botello is still shocked at winning first place. “When they called 3rd and 2nd place I just thought ‘oh I’m not winning’. I can’t believe it,” Botello says.

Even though she did not receive 1st place, designer Nguyen is still smiling as she receives congratulations from her friends. With a strong passion for design, Nguyen looks forward to competing again next year. “I’m happy it’s over with but I kind of miss it already. I just want to come back and do another collection!”

Photos courtesy of author Diana Lieu