Les Vieux
May 16- Oct 27, 2024
Timeline:
May 16th 2024: The day we decided that a fashion show would be done
August 10, 2024: First fashion show in Southwest Detroit
Following months (Post-August 2024): Reflection and planning for the second event, incorporating learnings from the first show
Second fashion show: Held around the "Day of the Dead" theme, with enhanced branding and on-site printing experience
Role:
Event Coordinator: Co-organized the planning and execution of the fashion show, including assembling a team, delegating tasks, and managing timelines.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Built partnerships with local designers, boutiques, and businesses to foster community engagement and support for the event.
Promotions Manager: Oversaw the creation of promotional materials, including fliers and social media posts, to generate buzz for the event.
Performer: Contributed to the entertainment by composing and performing music at the event, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Runway Designer: Researched and implemented cost-effective solutions for the runway and event layout, optimizing the space to create an engaging experience.
Merchandise Production: Designed and produced branded hoodies and tees using a vinyl cutting machine and heat press, contributing to event revenue
Photographer/Content Strategist: Coordinated a photoshoot and captured media content for future use on Les Vieux’s website and social platforms.
Background:
One of my closest friends Ragnar, is the founder of a clothing brand named Les Vieux. He and I share a desire to bring his designs to life and into the public eye, Over the course of the summer we got an opportunity to do just that. He was reached out to by an event hosting space and was offered the opportunity to throw a fashion show This would be the first time that either one of us would be responsible for hosting an event for the public like this and it was certainly a learning opportunity for us both. I was involved every step of the way along the development and execution of the event.
The first event was a learning experience for us both as we navigated the challenges of organizing a public event on a tight budget. The second fashion show was born out of the success and lessons learned from the first one, where we incorporated more refined strategies and new ideas, such as on-site printing and stronger community engagement.
Goals of These Projects:
First Event: To host a fashion show that showcased Ragnar's clothing brand, Les Vieux, while involving local designers and boutiques to promote community engagement and create a unique local event.
Second Event: To refine our approach, focusing on better brand representation, enhanced merchandising strategies (such as on-site printing), and incorporating cultural elements like “Day of the Dead” into the event to provide a more engaging and interactive experience.
Results/Takeaways :
Successful Event: The fashion show attracted a sizable audience, impressing the venue owners, who invited the hosts to hold similar events twice a year.
Merchandise Sales: Generated over $500 in revenue from the sale of hoodies and tees which featured a new logo created specifically for the event.
Community Engagement: Successfully partnered with two local designers and a thrift store to promote and participate in the event, creating connections within the Southwest Detroit community.
Content Creation: Organized a photoshoot and captured professional-quality photos and videos of the showcased pieces and merchandise for use in branding and social media.
Clothing Production: Collaborated with the brand to design and manufacture merchandise, utilizing my experience in clothing production to create high-quality, hand-finished items to be sold.
Skill Development: Gained hands-on experience in project planning, leadership, community outreach, design, and problem-solving, contributing to professional growth in Experience Architecture.
Digital Engagement: Gained a deeper understanding of how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat drive audience engagement and event attendance.
Versatile Content Creation: Produced a variety of digital deliverables, including posters and videos, alongside physical merchandise,
Marketing Impact: Effectively used digital platforms and cohesive branding to create a strong and impactful presence for the event.
I am very proud of my involvement in these projects because I was able to participate in almost everything that happened in preparation for the events. From coordinating the event, branding and promotion, to experimenting with the layout of the runway. My work here reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Experience Architecture, where we frequently blend design with content strategy, as well as research planning and project coordinating and apply it all into a real world context. As someone who has experience in producing clothes for businesses, performing at shows and attending shows, I was able to draw from these experiences to manufacture branded merchandise and create unique and memorable experiences. The first event earned over $500 in merchandise sales and impressed the venue, who would go on to invite us to host future events. we were also able to generate over $600 in merchandise sales. Furthermore, we were able to maximize the moment and created content for the brand’s digital platforms, allowing us to remain consistent in our marketing, showcasing the designs through photos and videos. This experience taught me more about leadership, initiative, the importance of community engagement, and the influence thoughtful design has on user experiences, reinforcing my growth as an XA professional.