Diverse Dreams on the Runway: LA's Student Models Challenge Fashion Norms at the 2023 LA Fashion Show

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, the LA Fashion Show is an annual five-day fashion extravaganza sponsored by SAS Studios.

Model Luar, number 482, struts the runway at the LAFS casting center on Sept. 15, 2023 (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

Model Lulama G. Matiringe (Number 231) smiles during her casting call for the LA Fashion Show on Sept. 15, 2023 (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

This year's show from September 27th to October 1st unveils the upcoming collections for the 2023 season, igniting opportunities for designers, producers, models, and other creatives. With just a few weeks remaining before the event, directors are hosting weekly casting calls to discover the perfect fit for their brands.

Fashion is now challenging long standing ideals and stereotypes concerning models, with the transformation of Victoria's Secret serving as a prime example. Audiences are witnessing a more varied representation of body types and skin tones, fostering a broader, more inclusive range of models and designers.

Models and photographers gather on the sidelines of the LAFS casting center during the event on Sept. 15, 2023. (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

One trailblazer in this transformative movement is Chandra Delano, a junior at USC and a model based in LA. She champions body positivity in the modeling industry. "Though I understand that I don't fit the traditional model measurements, I want to put myself out there," Delano states. "The primary purpose of the fashion industry is to sell products to consumers, yet most customers look nothing like the models. In a sense, it's false advertising."

Headshot of model Chandra Delano, captured at a studio in Downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 15, 2023 (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

Despite its status as a top modeling city, Los Angeles grapples with its share of challenges. Delano contends that it's a "connection-based industry" where opportunities aren't equally distributed. "People can secure jobs based solely on connections—even if someone else might be a better fit," she remarks.

Vance Mack playfully poses during a fitting in a studio located in Downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 15, 2023 (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

Vance Mack shares his struggles as a young model hailing from a challenging background in Las Vegas. "I come from the bottom of the ladder, nearly borderline homeless my entire life. Fashion was never within my reach," Mack reveals. "My objective is to create opportunities for individuals who resemble me and share my background. You can be a model, regardless of your origins or financial standing. Modeling is about showcasing your uniqueness and character. Being nearly homeless helped me develop character."

Beyond the modeling scene, designers are actively seeking ways to break free from conventional boundaries. Milarri, a Los Angeles-based contemporary fashion brand, spotlights the industry's spirit of innovation. Founder Troy Christian elucidates the brand's commitment to using unconventional design techniques to craft "our vision of modern attire."

Designer Troy Christian adding final touches to Chandra Delano's outfit during a fitting in Downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 15, 2023 (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

Christian recently initiated the "Your T-shirt" project. "T-shirts are among the most environmentally detrimental garments due to their low durability," he observes. This issue prompted Christian to create a fabric that withstands washing without fading, wrinkling, or shrinking.

A wall adorned with the work of designer Troy Christian and images of past selected models for Milarri, captured on Sept. 15, 2023, in Downtown Los Angeles (Ariel Cheng/Photo)

As the LA Fashion Show unfolds its vibrant tapestry of creativity, it not only reveals the latest trends but also serves as a compelling reminder. Fashion is a dynamic catalyst for change, transcending garments and beauty. It serves as a canvas for empowerment, self-expression, and innovation. Chandra Delano, Vance Mack, and Troy Christian are at the forefront of this industry transformation, redefining the boundaries of beauty and possibility. They are the architects of a more diverse, inclusive LA fashion scene.