FAST in the PAST: evolution of the show and a look at past editorials and designs

FAST at UCLA (Fashion and Student Trends), UCLA’s first and largest fashion club is well known around campus for their online and physical presence regarding all things fashion. Founded in 2001, FAST was created to give students an outlet for their passion for fashion, especially since UCLA does not offer a fashion major. Most notably, they are known for their annual runway show featuring student models and designers.

While last year’s show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the 19th annual FAST runway show approaches (this year in a virtual format), let’s take a look at the evolution of the show, as well as past editorials and designs. 

Starting from FAST’s 2007 runway show, the earliest on public record, the theme was “Rebirth”, and it featured 13 student designers. One of my personal favorite lines from that year was “Jaded Princess” by Susan Tran, as she used household items such as curtains, bed sheets, and trash bags to essentially ‘rebirth’ them into evening gowns. 

Two years later, FAST hosted their 2009 runway show with the theme “Unleashed”, where students aimed to be trendsetters and were encouraged to “shed inhibitions and design clothing” according to the LA Times. It showcased electrifying lines intended to challenge the boundaries of fashion such as “moi je joue” (French for “me, I play”) by Diana Kohan, featuring everyday clothing, in this case business-casual wear, with a twist: Kohan designed items such as a red-and-white plaid mini skirt and a classic spring dress with accented gold buttons, adorned with silver chains and bow sashes. Nancy Thompson, another student designer, displayed her “Ellie Malae” line, with arguably the most striking piece of clothing being a one-piece cutout bathing suit made entirely of bold metallic green and yellow plaid fabric. 

“moi je joue” by Diana Kohan (LA Times, 2009)

“Ellie Malae” by Nancy Thompson (LA Times, 2009)

Fast forward to 2013, FAST’s show theme was “Muse”, where designers were encouraged to create their lines based on what inspired and motivated them throughout the raw and complex creative process. According to Jennifer Lee, co-president of FAST at the time, they “wanted to focus on the design process and how you come up with your own inspiration from a mindset, to something on paper, to something visible on a garment”. Engineering students were inspired by their bedroom windows and the way light filters through them for their clothing lines, while architecture students constructed the runway to look “canopy-like” in order to create a cohesive, structured, and textured look. 

FAST Muse 2013 Spring Benefit Fashion Show Promo (Daily Bruin, 2013)

In contrast, FAST’s 2016 annual runway show did not have a theme, as the FAST committee hoped to give their designers free rein to utilize their diverse perspectives and influences for inspiration. This resulted in collections that were influenced by everything from trips abroad to Paris to UCLA’s floral landscaping for spring.  

“Free Spirit Collection'' by Mariama Bah (Lauren Man/Daily Bruin)

Right: “Curvy in Color” by Caliope Marin and Risachi Ogan (Lauren Man/Daily Bruin)

Most recently, FAST’s 18th annual runway show in 2019 featured collections from 14 different student designers, opening with the “Free Spirit Collection” by Mariama Bah, which was inspired by summer street wear. With more experience and sponsors compared to previous shows, the 2019 show had a notably professional air to it, with collections such as “Garden of Eden” by Anna Tsai featuring elegant cream and white fabrics adorned with gold accessories and flowers, inspired by white camellias. This was strikingly juxtaposed with collections such as “Curvy in Color” by Caliope Marin and Risachi Ogan, which utilized bold colors and patterns intending to raise awareness on issues such as ethical fashion and body and culture representation in the fashion industry. 

“Garden of Eden” by Anna Tsai (Lauren Man/Daily Bruin)

Be sure to tune into this year’s annual FAST runway show, a virtual film showcase!

Charlotte Chen