FITS and SFC present 2026 Fashion Show “Revival”
Audio story by Katy Clark
61 models. 24 designers. 21 collections. The 2026 FITS x SFC Fashion Show provided a platform for its designers and a transient experience for the audience with each and every model that strutted the runway in Chumash Auditorium on the night of May 17.
Surrounded by friends, parents, mentors and fashion-lovers alike, storytelling through clothing was apparent — not just the show itself but the audience who dressed their best and showcased their identity in a space that encouraged “Revival,” this year’s fashion show theme.
The Fashion, Innovation, Trendsetting and Styling Club (FITS) and the Sustainability Fashion Club (SFC) came together to create a theme defined as such:
“Revival represents renewal, transformation, and the act of intention. It speaks to the resurgence of ideas, identities, traditions, and environments that are reimagined for the present moment. Whether expressed through restored craftsmanship, reclaimed narratives, or cycles of decay and rebirth, revival reflects the power of fashion to breathe new life into what once was,” according to a pamphlet provided at the show.
Co-director of production design for the fashion show Victoria Garcia and her team aimed to interpret what “Revival” meant to them in the physical plane.
“We came up with this whole idea of a ruin that was coming back to life,” Garcia said. “The centerpiece is a four-way arch, and is supposed to symbolize bringing back the type of architecture in Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, etc.”
Garcia also mentioned bringing back pieces of pottery from artists and Cal Poly students while creating a Colosseum-inspired sitting layout.
Designers incorporated their cultural identities and backgrounds, their personal beliefs, and stories pulled from their place on earth. As each model walked, they became the focus in the environment reminiscent of ancient times.
One focus that shined in the spotlight was Model Iliana Miranda, who appreciated the diversity at the show, as she wore an outfit detailed with aspects of her Mexican heritage.
“Especially with the current political climate, it’s really great being able to show a very cultural part of my history and my generations, so it just really touches back to my Mexican roots, and it’s really nice I get to represent that,” Miranda said. “I appreciate that, especially being at a [primarily white institution], I’ve seen so much diversity tonight, and I feel accepted here.”
Among the personal experiences that come with representing oneself, a tale was told through both a new beginning and an exciting return.
Aerospace engineering sophomore Donovan Anderson, a beginner in the modeling world, walked for his friend and designer Jordan Turner. Anderson made a statement, wearing a jacket with a floral sleeve and a burn mark running alongside it, a flower crown perched on his head.
“I got to rock the outfit and show everybody and I felt confident and good, so I feel amazing right now,” Anderson said after the show.
While Anderson started a journey, model Maddie Morelos excitedly returned to the runway on a new quest to wear a dress.
“When Tin told me that I’d be wearing a dress this year, I was pretty excited. I think it looks great, feels great and I just feel like putting it on, it makes you feel a lot more confident somehow,” Morelos said.
Morelos especially enjoyed how spaces like these create the opportunity for people to have full creative freedom.
“Cause there’s not really an expectation to do anything for like a grade or some other kind of motive,” Morelos said. “All the people who are designing this year are doing it for the love of it and models too, we all get to experience being a part of that.”
The space erupted in applause for each designer and collection that came out. The spotlight no longer centered in one place — the room lit up for a community that will continue telling their stories without ever uttering a sentence.
