Like the fashions it showcases, the ISU Fashion Show has changed considerably over the years.

This year marks the 28th year the Fashion Show has been “judged and juried,” meaning it is in essence a competition, said Ann Thye, academic adviser in apparel education studies hospitality management. Prior to being a competitive event, it was a showcase for the textiles and clothing department and senior line class, and it was associated with Veishea, she said.

Thye said there are many factors that have changed the dynamic of the event over the years, including the location and date on which it is held. Thye said Jean Parsons, associate professor of apparel education studies hospitality management, placed more emphasis on the Fashion Show.

“Dr. Jean Parsons’ arrival at Iowa State transformed the event into what it is today,” Thye said, “We’d be doing something different without her.”

During the time the show was associated with Veishea, it was a free event that took place on the steps of MacKay Hall, Thye said. The event also took place on the steps of Curtiss Hall at one point.

“It was much more informal — it was even something that people would come and go to,” Thye said.

Today the event is much more formal, taking place at Stephen’s Auditorium, and tickets are sold for admission.

The ISU Fashion Show has been housed by several buildings on campus, including LeBaron Hall, MacKay Hall, Fisher Theater and Stephen’s Auditorium, where it takes place today.

The event attracts many industry professionals from across the country, Thye said, and they are generally overwhelmingly impressed with the experience.

“When industry professionals from New York City and Los Angeles come to our fashion show as guests and are just awestruck and they run out into the lobby at intermission to call their friends and say, ‘You’ve got to come next year, this is unbelievable,’ that makes me feel proud of our program, our students and Iowa State,” Thye said.

Each year, the Fashion Show has evolved and changed to meet the needs of an ever-changing society. Natalie Sanger, faculty adviser for the 2010 Fashion Show, said the Fashion Show committee tries to add new aspects every year to “make it different and fun for people who come back each year.”

Sanger said this year the show is producing an art book — a yearbook-style book, comprised of professional photos taken at the event — for the participants “so they have something to take home with them.”

In addition to the art book, there will also be a red carpet, complete with professional photographers, to greet guests as they enter the Fashion Show. Sanger and Thye are expecting around 2,500 guests at the show.