Merchandise table at Expose 2006

History of Expose

Expose is a la Mode's annual fashion show featuring student designers and models. The event usually takes place on a Saturday afternoon in the spring, and it is the culmination of many months of hard work on the part of a la Mode's Executive Board, designers, and models.

The show was started to allow Wellesley students with an interest in fashion an opportunity to design clothing and accessories, and then provide a showcase to display their work.

The 2007 show had twelve designers and 23 student models. Designers receive a stipend for their supplies and are afforded the chance to attend various workshops on sewing and design techniques throughout the year. Similarly, students interested in modeling for the show attend a number of "Model Calls" where they are taught how to walk and pose on a runway.

The show traditionally features a guest designer from Boston who showcases her work alongside Wellesley's student designers. Expose 2007 featured Cambridge-based boutique owner Cibeline.

Expose is especially beneficial to Wellesley students because it creates an opportunity for creative expression within the realm of a traditional liberal arts education.

Designers for Expose 2007

Tiffany Baek and Julie Cho: Their collection, Tibby + Juju, consists of two very different styles. The first is a sleek depiction of the feminine silhouette, using a variety of different colored fabrics in an attempt to create interesting clothing that college-age women could wear during the day and evening. The second style is inspired by the modern three-dimensional pieces seen on the Fall 2007 runways. Both designers were born and raised in New York and as roommates and friends, they both enjoy art, fashion, travel, and reading magazines together.

Laura Barrett and Tiffany Goh: "Flirty" describes Tiffany and Laura's collection in a nutshell. The rookie designers collaborated by using opposite shapes and lines in their dresses while still capturing the same sense of feminine fun. They believe that whether stiff or flowing, dresses should be a joy to wear -- and to admire.

Gabriela Cestero: Her second year participating in Expose, Gabriela's designs are an exploration of various combinations of colors and textures.

Mea Lewis: For her debut as an a la Mode designer, she has put put together five pieces that combine the mystery and classic nature of black with the passion and desire of red, creating a sensual and bold look for daring, confident women to wear.

Tori Lo: A New York native majoring in Mathematics and Music, she has been on the a la mode Executive Board since her first year and now serves as the organization's President. Tori has been designing clothes since High School, and cites Philip Lim, Miuccia Prada, and Lanvin among her favorite designers. Her collection of pieces, titled halo, celebrates her last year at Wellesley, her cultural heritage, and the emergence of spring.

Lisi Michael: This is her first time designing with the help of her model and muse, Lauren Dow. She has always loved fashion and online shopping, so designing comes naturally.

Evelyn Ni: Until she got a sewing machine, she sewed everything by hand, making clothing for dolls and then for herself. After attending a fashion design summer camp, Evelyn worked for fashion designer Mary Jane Sarvis (MaryJane Artwear) for two years. At Wellesley, she completed a semester-long project on Japanese street fashion, including a collection for a final fashion show. This is the second year Evelyn has been with a la Mode. Her collection for the Spring 2007 show aims to reach opposite ends of the spectrum with classy dresses and casual t-shirts.

Helen Pu: This is her first time designing clothes, and she has chosen to create tops with a Summer Chic theme. She finds her design inspirations from Sex and the City, Glamour, and the beautiful physique of her model Olga.

Courtney Richter: She enjoys playing on the Wellesley basketball team in addition to studying studio art and art history. This is her first time experimenting with fashion design, creating a dress made from old t-shirts. The show Project Runway was one of her greatest inspirations.

Rebecca Rothkopf: Originally from North Caldwell, NJ, she is studying Mathematics and Studio Art at Wellesley College and enjoys drawing in her free time. She began designing clothing in High School and is excited to show her latest designs as part of Expose.

Former Guest Designers




Created by: Samantha Heep and Lauren Tilden
Date Created: April 2007