Saint Louis University’s Vogue club brought together more than two hundred guests on Nov. 16 for its fall fashion showcase. The event filled the Wool Ballroom at the Busch Student Center with students, families, friends and local designers eager to see four collections presented by SLU Vogue models.
The showcase opened with remarks from emcee Brittany Nicole, a St. Louis accessory and handbag designer. She was followed by a spoken performance from poet Andrea Hudson titled Moon to Sun, written from the perspective of the moon and centered on the show’s theme of Solar vs Lunar. Hudson described the poem as a reflection on the way opposites can support and complement one another.
Day and Night Segments Bring Two Worlds to the Runway
The show unfolded in two parts.
The day segment featured collections by WEAKAMO, BBQue and Chunky’s Vintage, each offering playful interpretations of individuality and daytime style.
The night segment began with a short dance number performed by the models, shifting the room into a deeper and more dramatic atmosphere. During preparation for the fourth designer, PLEX WORLDWIDE, the emcee invited her mother from the audience to join the runway, adding a surprise moment of warmth and participation.
Throughout the PLEX WORLDWIDE portion, each piece carried the phrase PLEX WORLDWIDE don’t forget to pray. Designer Promise H said the line is meant to become a lasting motto of the brand, something people immediately connect with when they see her work.
Promise spoke about the beginnings of the brand, sharing how she founded it with her late aunt. At first, she created pieces she could not afford to buy, slowly transforming that passion into her own original designs. She emphasized the value of highlighting designers from the community, explaining that creativity does not need a global spotlight to be meaningful.
A Space for Community and Personal Growth
For SLU Vogue president and co founder Riviera Ell, the evening held many strong moments, but the energy behind the stage stood out the most. Hearing the audience respond, cheer and participate brought her the greatest joy.
Ell shared how deeply Vogue has shaped her life. She participated in Vogue throughout high school, and the club became even more important when she arrived at SLU. It offered her a space where she could confidently express herself, especially within a predominantly white institution.
The experience also helped her grow as a student and young professional. She explained that Vogue helped her overcome shyness and build confidence that extended far beyond the runway into interviews, classrooms and everyday interactions.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities to Join
SLU Vogue has several events planned throughout the rest of the semester. The group will appear at two women’s basketball games and is preparing two major shows next semester, including a Valentine’s Day event in February and a spring showcase in April.
They will also perform at the International Student Federation’s talent show on Nov. 22.
