LA Mode 2026: The Future Meets The Runway
The John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica hosted the “LA Mode 2026” fashion show on Monday, June 8, featuring the work of Santa Monica College’s (SMC’s) fashion students brought to life on the runway.
The participants experienced the full atmosphere of a professional fashion show. In the courtyard, attendees could mingle, view exhibits, and walk the “Cloud Carpet” for photo opportunities. A reception brought together students, alumni, and industry professionals with sponsor prizes and networking opportunities.
18 student-designed collections showcased SMC’s fashion program. This year's theme, "Above the Clouds," celebrated style, substance, and sustainability.
The creative mind behind LA Mode 2026 is fashion professor La Tanya Louis, its producer and director.
“We actually have a model casting as part of the process of us getting the show together,” said Louis, adding that not all of the models were students.
Louis is active as a freelance fashion and costume designer, and stylist, through her company, La Tanya Nicole Martine.
Louis seeks to provide students with valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the fashion industry.
“Everything is organized, and we're treating this like a real model agency,” Louis said.
The fashion show opened with the Chop Shop, a project led by professor Lorrie Ivas, which showcased a variety of pieces made from upcycled denim donated by the Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Focusing on sustainability, the designers transformed what was meant to be trash into repurposed clothing reflecting daily life.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing how everybody’s creativity manifests in their designs and seeing their minds through their work,” said model Aiyanna Mendoza, who wore a Chop Shop design by Elaine Pagtalunan.
The fashion design and merchandising students presented collections motivated by personal expression and real-life applications.
Caleb Bell, a Chop Shop model for designer Ethan Esmaeiliyan, said he was most influenced by "the bright colors, the personality of the designers, and the people that I’m working with. I think that’s very important.”
Susan Kolko, professor of fashion and merchandising, was recognized for her dedication in and out of the classroom. Kolko announced the recipient of the Samuel Kolko scholarship, created in honor of her son.
Kolko founded the Runway of Dreams Club at SMC to promote inclusion in the fashion industry through adaptive scholarships and internships.
“What the club is here to do is expose adaptive clothing and the need for inclusivity in clothing in the fashion industry," said Kolko.
The advisory board served as the panel of judges, giving out multiple awards in categories including creativity and marketability. Nine total designers were chosen.
Designer Nika Malkhazovi won two awards for technical achievement and outstanding collection.
Hayleigh Smith, whose upcycled and repurposed denim pieces featured stitch work and fine detail, spoke about her most-liked designer. “Minsu Kim!” she said. “I saw him cut his fabric imported from Korea. I think it was well executed, and I thought everything within that collection was stunning.”
Beyond the runway, SMC students have access to professional outfits to select and keep for free at the SMC Career Closet located on the second floor of the Business Building on main campus, as well as clothing available just outside the Bodega through community donations.
To watch the whole fashion show, check out our live stream on our YouTube channel, TheCorsairOnline.