By Crystal Harrell
On April 25, Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) fashion students showcased their artistic talents in a student-led fashion show, many of whom are also part of a new afterschool fashion club launched through a first-of-its-kind partnership between DHSHS and Think Together, California’s largest expanded learning provider.
The fashion show was led by the Fashion I and II class where they presented original designs that embodied their theme: Old Hollywood. The fashion students were both designers and models for their creations. They walked the runway with confidence and grace. This year marked a special occurrence, as it was the first time the fashion students created designs from scratch, whereas in previous years they’d thrift clothing pieces. Fashion is a passion for many, like DHSHS fashion student Aubrey, who feels connected to fashion concepts and appreciates how it helps her showcase original ideas.
“Fashion has inspired me to be more creative and more open with myself. Fashion is about all kinds of different designs and when I create my own dress or sketch, I’m not following the social media trends, I’m doing it in my own unique way,” said Aubrey.
In March, the DHSHS Fashion II class students had the chance to attend Fashion Week El Paseo to display two original designs during their student evening event. It was an opportunity made possible by Think Together, which was the featured benefiting charity of the evening. It was the first time the DHSHS fashion students showcased designs alongside industry professionals. The event left a lasting impression on them, and as a result the Think Together fashion club came into fruition.
“Now that we are expanding students’ time designing fashion pieces, we’ll be able to provide the students already enrolled in the fashion class with the resources to explore their creativity beyond the regular school day,” said Fiona Burns, Think Together Site Program Manager for DHSHS.
Think Together currently serves over 3,000 students daily in the Coachella Valley through the partnership with Palm Springs Unified School District, providing expanded learning opportunities that unlock limitless potential for students.
