Early Hollywood glam strutted down the University of South Carolina Fashion Board's runway for Golden Glamour: A Love Letter to Hollywood. The event, which took place on March 25, transformed the runway into a celebration of vintage elegance and modern interpretation, blending old Hollywood aesthetics with contemporary student creativity.
From the moment the first model stepped out, the show captured the essence of Hollywood’s golden age. Sequins on clothing shimmered under the lights, models evoked timeless red carpet moments and bold styling choices paid homage to decades of fashion history. The event featured collaborations with a range of retailers, including Anton and Maxine, Loft, Urban Outfitters, Maison de Stoi, Dillards and Rent Soda City, providing stylists with the materials to create bold pieces.
Caroline Kelly, a senior majoring in retail fashion merchandising and president of the Fashion Board, along with her executive board members, believed the theme was both a creative challenge and an opportunity to connect past and current fashion trends.
“We all thought it would be so much more special to have the old Hollywood glamour, since it’s still such an important fashion aspect," Kelly said. "It’s always being seen on social media, and it’s still just so important in the industry.”
Planning for the show began months in advance, with Kelly and her executive team coordinating everything from model calls to retailer partnerships. By the time the spring semester arrived, preparations were in full swing, requiring extensive collaboration across multiple teams.
“February and March are really busy for us; we are really trying to pair all of the models and stylists together, and then we pair them with the retailers and designers that they’re going to be walking for," Kelly said. "It’s very hard just because there’s so many people to coordinate with.”
Despite these many challenges, the payoff came when the vision finally materialized on the runway.
“As soon as the first model walked out… I almost felt a sense of relief, like it’s finally happening," Kelly said. "And just seeing all the looks come out together was super rewarding.”
The retail segment of the show highlighted the versatility of the Hollywood theme. Maison de Stoi opened the runway with chique, shimmering looks--one model strutting in a beige, ruffled overcoat draped over a sheer, bejeweled top. Urban Outfitters' models leaned into a more relaxed, Americana aesthetic. One model sported a Newsies-esque outfit complete with a scarf wrapped around the collar of a white button down, a black jean vest and the classic newsboy hat. Antone & Maxine leaned into the classic black-and-white of early Hollywood, bringing dark, sleek looks to the runway, with one model pairing a ruffled, high-collared, sleeveless top with sheer, polka-dotted pants. And Dillards kept Hollywood executive in season with a simple but effective suit and tie--the sky blue tie popping against the light, striped suit and mingling with his rustic brown suitcase.
Sociology major and senior Emilia Marcus, who walked for Urban Outfitters, described the behind-the-scenes process as far more intricate than many might expect.
“After the audition process, I got to go to Urban Outfitters with the stylists, and they essentially let me play dress up in the dressing rooms," Marcus said. "It was a little bit of a trial-and-error process, mixing up jewelry and clothes and making sure things fit properly.”
For Marcus, the preparation for the show, including fittings and rehearsals, was one of the most rewarding aspects.
“My favorite part is always the fittings," Marcus said. "I love doing fittings because it literally is just like playing dress up. It gives you an opportunity to try on a lot of different looks and kind of play with the theme a little bit.”
Marcus also reflected on the theme of the show, emphasizing just how wide the range of creativity could be.
“When I hear old Hollywood glamour I think about long, sparkly dresses and bold red lips", Marcus said. "But I also think about more Americana looks: scarves blowing in the wind, polka dots, flowy dresses, sort of off-duty model chic. It’s a really versatile theme.”
Beyond the retailer showcase, one of the most anticipated segments of the night was the student design competition. Students were challenged to conceptualize, design and sew their own garments, which were then judged by both the audience and two guest judges. Inspired by the exclusivity of Hollywood after-parties, this year's theme, “Afterparty at Château Marmont”encouraged designers to imagine what happens after the red carpet.
Destani Hough, a junior majoring in retail with a concentration in fashion merchandising and digital innovations, approached her design with a strong narrative in mind.
“When it came to my design, I definitely approached the theme like she’s at the after-party, but she is the after-party," Hough said. "She’s the vibe that sets the after-party.”
The process, however, was anything but easy. With a tight timeline and the demands of sourcing materials and constructing garments, designers had to work quickly and efficiently.
“We actually didn't find out until right about the week before spring break when they sent out notifications to everybody, so from that point it was kind of go, go, go," Hough said. "We got fabrics in, and then we started draping, we started immediately tailoring, bodice out corsets and all of that stuff.”
Despite the pressure, Hough emphasized the importance of the competition, not just as a creative outlet, but as a reflection of the broader fashion community at USC.
“We live in South Carolina," Hough said. "It's not like we're in New York. It's very much a helpful environment to help you see what everybody else is wearing. What's happening around us, all of the great things, but also it's a great time to see all of the different cultures that are at USC because it's massively an amount of them. And there were so many just in like the design looks tonight that were spread across so many different cultures.”
Kelly echoed this sentiment, highlighting the inclusivity of the event and its role in bringing together students from all backgrounds.
“Everybody is welcome to take part in the show," Kelly said. "It’s not just for retail and fashion merchandising majors. We love to have every kind of student, of course, same with the show. Everyone's welcome to attend. I feel like it just gets bigger and bigger every year because more people take part in it. and that just makes it so special.”
For the fashion board, this year’s show wasn't just about showcasing clothing; it was about a collaborative celebration of artistry, culture and student talent. As the models exited the runway and applause filled the room, one thing was clear: the legacy of Hollywood glamour is alive and well, reimagined through the lens of a new generation.
