The High School of Fashion Industries in New York City is New York City’s sole trade-based public school, and at their annual runway show, students prepare with equal intensity as designers would for their design show.
Early this morning, in a room filled with mannequins, students fine-tuned their looks. Freshmen volunteered as models; sophomores helped with makeup application; and juniors took care of camera duties.
Prom
Prom is an extravagant dance for high school students that serves as the last opportunity for seniors to celebrate their time at high school and mark its end as they transition into adult life. Students use prom as an opportunity to show their pride for both school and class.
Prom is an event that originated from the Latin word promenade, meaning to move forward or advance. It first emerged at colleges and universities during the late 1700s as an event designed to help graduate classes socialize during social etiquette tests for graduating classes. Prom became more widespread in the 1930s as Americans acquired more money and leisure time – initially taking place in gymnasiums but gradually moving to hotel ballrooms or country clubs with competition over outfits, transportation costs, dates, etc.
Today, prom is one of the most significant events in a teenager’s life, giving them an opportunity to feel proud of their accomplishments while creating lasting memories that they will treasure throughout their lives. Teens typically spend months planning their prom event, from selecting attire to selecting dates; many even find jobs or work extra hours so as to pay for this unforgettable night!
Most schools host formal prom nights at the end of junior or senior year. Prom nights serve as a significant social event and involve many traditions like finding a date, dressing in formal attire, and dancing the night away.
At prom, couples or groups of friends pose together for photos in front of a photo booth decorated with streamers and other fun accessories. Students can purchase prints of these pictures or digital files online as a reminder of all of the fun times they had at prom.
Many schools host an informal part of the evening called ne ofitsiyna chastity, typically held after their prom, to allow students to unwind more casually and unwind from school life. It can take place anywhere from clubs to restaurants to beaches to boats!
Homecoming
Homecoming is a school-wide event typically celebrated each fall to show school spirit and pride, often including pep rallies, spirit weeks, and crowning of a Homecoming King and Queen. Homecoming provides students with an invaluable opportunity to bond with peers while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Homecoming events usually kick off with a pep rally, during which the homecoming court and cheerleaders/band are announced, and cheerleaders/band perform. Next, students vote on who should become homecoming king/queen; girls and boys are nominated based on exemplary grades, disciplinary records, contributions made to the school community, or any other factor relevant to being chosen as royalty/queen.
Many schools hold parades during Homecoming week, followed by football games and a dance. Trains may feature decorated vehicles such as floats or decorated vehicles, while football games give schools the chance to show off their team spirit.
Homecoming dances typically take place on either Friday or Saturday nights and provide students with an opportunity to socialize, have fun, and show off their formal or semi-formal attire. At these dances, music may be provided by either a DJ or live band – making homecoming dances great ways to meet potential romantic partners!
Some schools also crown homecoming princes/princesses, dukes/duchesses, or royalty (underclassmen nominated by their classmates) during the week-long festivities as escorts who may help with various activities during this eventful week.
Some schools allow non-seniors to serve on the homecoming court as escorts, while most require senior students to serve as king and queen of their homecoming court. At the conclusion of homecoming weekend, during dance or public events, these individuals will be honored. This tradition is particularly significant since research demonstrates that schools with strong school spirit typically exhibit higher academic achievement as well as lower dropout rates than schools without a solid core. Some schools hold bonfires where old wood structures or memorabilia from rival schools are burned and controlled by fire. To promote school spirit further, some schools host bonfires with controlled fires to promote further school spirit – something other schools do not do to promote school spirit!
Mums
Homecoming celebrations across Texas feature extravagant faux chrysanthemum flowers adorned with garters adorned with ribbons – an annual tradition. Though its origins remain unclear, mums have become a yearly highlight – worn during parades, pep rallies, and, of course, homecoming games!
Homecoming mums and garters often feature artificial chrysanthemum flowers as the centerpiece, along with other trinkets like miniature sports equipment, spirit slogans, megaphones, mascots, graduation year charms, or graduation year charms to add flair. The combination of elements will depend on both personal taste and expectations within their high school.
Ribbons are one of the signature components of homecoming mums and garters, adding movement and color. One set usually frames artificial flowers in order to create a halo effect while a second set cascades down from the floral center towards knee length – some students and mum-makers even braid these ribbons, creating intricate and unique looks! Stamp or dye sublimated ribbons add even further individuality and help personalize each mum or garter.
Runway Show
The Runway Show is the fashion program’s equivalent of a homecoming football game. Seniors showcase looks they have created over four years with a theme that emphasizes nature-inspired designs. Nearly everyone contributes: freshmen model for seniors as models; sophomores assist with makeup; and juniors take turns as runway photographers, while parents, alumni, and faculty fill the front row; this can often be the first time for some students.
Senior models face immense pressure in today’s viral fame and social media-saturated environment when stepping out in their final look can make or break their careers. The stakes become even higher for students who wish to attend prestigious fashion schools such as the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York or the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
At a runway show, guests filter in and out for at least an hour to watch models strut their stuff down a catwalk under dimmed lights and pulsing music. Behind the curtain lies months of planning between designers, hair and makeup artists, publicists, and production groups – yet many designers prefer presentations instead of runway shows due to their less glamorous nature.
There are pros and cons associated with both approaches. With a presentation, audiences can get up close to the clothes, viewing designs from various angles for easier understanding of details paired with the designer’s intent. On the other hand, presentations may be less engaging for viewers while making models feel uncomfortable after long hours standing still.
As pandemic restrictions hinder travel or events, it remains uncertain whether shows will continue in the future. But for now, the industry continues to try to prove their worth; runway shows allow models to interact with guests and generate press coverage and endorsement opportunities – plus, maybe you might get lucky enough to score some backstage passes, too!