Behind the Scenes : Students Put on a Show With a Taste of French Flair

Proving that student-run fashion shows don’t have to be a walk through gaucheville, exchange students attending Chapman University in Orange presented “An Evening in France” that successfully provided a sampling of culture typically associated with that country: food and fashion.

Following a champagne reception Saturday, about 200 students, relatives and friends--including dignitaries from the French Consulate--sat down to dinner. Clothed in customary black and white, students supporting the International Students Services’ event frantically served the courses, taking a pause only when the fashion show began.

With the assistance of Barneys New York in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, the 30-minute show featured couture by Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Miu Miu, Commes des Garcons, Moschino, Giorgio Armani and Barneys New York’s private label.

There were no super models, but the 12 novices who did strut the catwalk did so with all the attitude and charm of a Parisian. But not all the participants came from France; some hailed from Greece, Sweden, Malaysia, Brazil, Netherlands, even the United States.