We are excited for another year of stunning designs and breathtaking runway moments with this year’s Cycle 3 Fashion Show from the Michiana Modeling Workshop. Last year, the fashion show event dazzled us with a vibrant display of creativity and style.
From the spark of inspiration to the final runway walk, organizing a fashion show is a journey of passion, perseverance, and meticulous planning. Delve into the origins of the Michiana Modeling Workshop, exploring the challenges faced and the triumphs celebrated.
Discover how the organizers, Alexaundria Groves and Ashley Varner-Warren, are shaping the future of South Bend’s modeling scene.
What inspired you to create the Michiana Modeling Workshop program and its fashion show? How did the idea first come about?
Michiana Modeling Workshop, LLC. was created to provide a platform and safe space for individuals interested in learning more about how to properly start their career in the modeling industry while instilling self-confidence along the way.
How has the event evolved from its initial conception to the upcoming 2024 fashion show?
“MMW” models have been featured in local and national publications, walked in LA Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, and have been awarded acting roles for short films since their involvement with our program.
What are the main objectives of the fashion show, and what do you hope participants and attendees will take away from it?
Over the course of the last six months, models have been training and participating in monthly workshop sessions that have prepared them for a career in modeling. Runway is one form of modeling, so we want to have models showcase what they’ve learned to their family and community while continuing to gain the confidence to conquer any goal that they set their minds to. The goal is for models to be prepared to compete with talent across the globe, build their own brand, and thrive in their own respective talents.
What sets the Michiana Modeling Workshop program and its fashion show apart from other fashion programs and events/shows?
Michiana Modeling Workshop is the first of its kind in South Bend, Indiana. MMW founders and South Bend natives, Alexaundria Groves and Ashley Varner-Warren, sought out to create an outlet for aspiring models in their hometown. There were no options related to model development or training in South Bend or surrounding areas that focused on assisting models with starting a career in the modeling industry. The duo saw the need and offered a solution. Both partners relocated after high school to pursue their college degrees as well as careers in modeling. They later returned to their home in South Bend and established Michiana Modeling Workshop, LLC.
MMW is set apart because we offer platforms for models to develop professionally and personally. We establish genuine connections with creatives statewide in order to better serve our model students. Our program offers individualized support as needed, and we continue to mentor and assist even after models have graduated from our programs. We believe that true success means supporting the growth of others. Our models continue to build bonds with one another that last well beyond the seven months of programming. We enjoy watching their growth throughout the program, and we are proud of all the things they will continue to accomplish once they graduate.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in organizing the first fashion show, and how did you overcome them? Conversely, what were some of the most rewarding moments?
Some of the biggest challenges with the initial fashion show were exposure and funding. We wanted to be strategic when sharing with our community about our first fashion show and presenting our models, but also authentic in our approach. Connecting with A Gammage Solutions provided the assistance we needed in marketing to our target audience and reaching a greater range of our community. With us being a newly established business, we were adamant about providing a quality show for attendees and models to enjoy. We appreciate the support of the City of South Bend in believing in our youth development program and helping to sponsor our first fashion show.
Some of the most rewarding moments were being present backstage and realizing that our vision had truly manifested. Another rewarding moment was conversing with guests and parents after the show and hearing such positive feedback on our community engagement, impact, and how well received our efforts are for the city.
How do you see the program and fashion show impacting the local community and the broader fashion industry in the South Bend community?
MMW continues to impact and influence our community and region by offering a fresh fashion scene and a unique blend of talent within our annual shows and monthly workshops. The energy is always top-tier, and the love is shared as well as felt.
We would love the opportunity to connect with schools, community centers, and organizations serving youth in order to share our impact with a broader range of young adults.
Can you describe the typical experience for a model participating in the fashion show? What kind of preparation and activities can they expect?
Each model student begins preparation for the fashion show by first attending fittings with the various designers who are being featured in the show in the weeks leading up to it.
Next, models participate in a mandatory rehearsal with coaches and venue staff to practice for the day of the show. Models are introduced to multiple creatives, from designers, makeup artists, and hairstylists to videographers, photographers, DJs, etc.
Additionally, models learn many transferable skills while participating in the MMW program, including teamwork, communication, active listening, and interviewing skills. Models can also expect a lot of behind-the-scenes photos and videos from coaches! We love sharing the great times that we have with our students on our social media channels for the community to see, so videos and pictures are necessities.
Lastly, modeling students receive a parting gift from MMW after the fashion show as a “thank you for participating.”
What are your long-term visions for the Michiana Modeling Workshop and its fashion show? Are there any specific goals or expansions you hope to achieve in the coming years?
For our participants: The goal is to continue instilling confidence in our participants and helping them build their networks. While we would love to continue seeing the models who go through our program being booked for work, locally and worldwide, our ultimate goal is to see them succeed in life in whatever capacity that serves them, including modeling!
For the business: Having a reputable business coach to help us scale MMW and be able to purchase real estate to have our own space for workshops and fashion events is our long-term goal. Continuing to create a directory of trustworthy creatives to help complement our program is also a high priority. It truly takes teamwork and collaboration to see these events come to fruition. We are only as good as the business relationships we have, so sustaining quality around us as well as providing quality programming is key.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a part of the modeling community in South Bend?
Start building your network. Learn who the creatives are in your area, attend events, meet people, share what your interests are, and build relationships with people. Do research on local photographers and connect with them to begin your portfolio. You need good images in order to showcase your look to creatives in need of booking models.
Contact Michiana Modeling Workshop via email to learn more about how to sign up for our program, where we bring these creatives directly to you!
What has been your favorite memory or moment from organizing the Michiana Modeling Workshop program and its events so far?
Alexaundria: My favorite memory with MMW has been remembering the very first meeting we had to brainstorm what the program could look like. We came up with a full curriculum within that time. That let me know how passionate we were about this initiative and bringing it to our hometown. Fast forward, taking time to be present during the first fashion show and watching it all come together. All of the hard work paid off and was proof to me that anything is possible if you commit and do the work. No matter where the future takes me, MMW will forever be in my heart, and I love that we were able to successfully build a positive program for the city of South Bend and surrounding areas.
Ashley: My favorite memory with MMW has been watching the models grow from the very first workshop and their progression throughout the program! Seeing their confidence and self-esteem grow tremendously by the finale fashion show has been the most rewarding part for me! To see the models form lasting friendships within the program and continue to support one another in their modeling journeys is something I wish I was a part of when I first started modeling! I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to build a positive program for our youth that has had such an impact!
As the Cycle 3 Fashion Show quickly approaches, the dedication and creativity of its organizers promise an event that’s not just about fashion, but a celebration of community and innovation.
We hope that you will join us for a night of style that will captivate and inspire!
July 12 at 7 p.m.
Michiana Modeling Workshop: Cycle 3 Fashion Show
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Showtime at 7 p.m.
Post event cocktail hour at 8 p.m.
Enjoy a night a fashion as we feature local designers in a fun and inclusive environment as we celebrate our model students who have successfully completed this years program. Dress to impress!
Co-sponsored by A Gammage Solutions.
