Loyola students with passions for fashion created A La Mode, a modeling and fashion club. The club features Loyola’s artists, musicians, creatives, and anyone searching for a community. 

Sasha Grant, a junior public relations major, is the current president of A La Mode. Part of the president’s job is overseeing the editorial board. 

“I make sure that things are flowing the way they should, like things with money, or organizational things,” said Grant.

Not only does Grant oversee the club’s logistics, she also sees herself as an advocate for the group. 

“[I want to be] a person they can talk to and be a friend,” Grant said. “Not only do I want to be a leader, I want to be a right hand man if they need something.” 

Grant joined A La Mode her freshman year two weeks before their fall fashion show. 

“It was very nerve racking for me, but all the members and board of Mode were so inviting and loving to me, they made me feel seen and heard,” Grant said. “When I walked in there it was like open arms. I did not know what I was doing and I was so nervous and they hyped me up.” 

A La Mode has a fashion show each fall and spring semester. The catwalk lineup ranges from 15-25 people, and Grant notes that the group is typically larger in the spring.  The shows theme is picked by the editorial board. This year’s theme has not been disclosed to the public.

 “The inspiration for shows comes from things we see in the media,” Grant explained. 

Grant hopes that the models always feel comfortable and confident in the shows. 

“It takes so much to put yourself out there and walk in front of 100 people,” Grant said. 

Grant also shared that A La Mode is an example of how you can create a space Loyola.

“I also hope that from an outside perspective people can see that, yes even though we are at this small school, we still do creative things. We still have fun, we still have a space that not all colleges have,” Grant said. 

Grant emphasized that everyone is welcome in the casting process. A La Mode posts a casting call on Instagram with instructions for outfits and necessary materials.  From there, the executive board focuses on seeing which models work well together. 

“We don’t push anyone away, we just bring people in so we can see what we are working on. Who walks this way, who can be paired together in certain walks,” Grant said.

The casting process is an opportunity for first-time models to get exposed to strutting in front of others, Grant explained.  

“The models can feel more confident if it’s their first time modeling, they can get their feet on the ground, and get comfortable walking in front of people.” 

Chloe Carter a sophomore physiology/pre health major is the event coordinator for A La Mode. Carter joined her first semester of freshman year, and she said she knew she had found her place the moment she joined. 

“I joined because I have always loved fashion. I came from a private school where we had to wear uniforms and I didn’t have my own sense of identity. I finally got out of private school and was like oh my god I can wear whatever I want, and this was the place that fit,” Carter said.

Carter also noted that casting is welcoming, and that she felt comfortable throughout the process. 

“It’s pretty simple, it’s very inviting. That’s one thing I love about our club: how inviting it is.” 

People auditioning are asked to bring a pair of heels to practice their model walk. 

“It honestly gives you a feel for what real modeling is like,” Carter said, before explaining that the casting process is a great way to grow and experience modeling. 

“They put some music on and you get to feel out the room, check out the vibes, model, show your moves.”

There are also opportunities for student musicians and photographers to participate in the fashion shows. 

“Whatever you do, if you think Mode could use it, come to us,” Grant said. “This is a place for all types of creativity and different walks of life.”

People from other schools are invited to participate in A La Mode as the club aims to emphasize an inclusive space for all. 

“It’s easy for us who go to this school and see people in passing, but for someone who doesn’t go here it can be scary joining an organization, but having them feel so welcome and comfortable here is so important,” Grant said.

“Whether there’s a senior coming in or a freshman, this is a space for them to feel seen, feel safe, and feel love,” Grant said. 

The outfits worn during shows are up to the models to pick and are subject to approval by the editorial board. 

“Basically you can pick whatever you want, it’s still approved by the board but usually it gets passed,” Carter said.. “As for outfits, it’s usually all us, sometimes we go thrifting, but if I have a red shirt and my girl needs it, [I] give her my red shirt,” Grant said.

Models are encouraged to have variety and creativity in their outfits.  

“We like to see multiple ways an outfit can be put together,” Carter said.. “Basically whatever makes you comfortable and you feel fit in, usually gets picked.” 

Grant said the club would love to collaborate with the business department this year. 

“For Gen Z, I feel like we are now stepping into that more professional world and it can be hard to find business clothes.” 

Preparing for the shows includes planning and practice. Carter shared what it’s like preparing on the day of. 

“There’s always little things when preparing to perform, sometimes you might have to do a last minute thrift to get all the outfits. Then you perform and you do it with all the amazing talented people in the club,’’ Carter said.

Some models walk multiple times in a single show, depending on the amount of outfits they pick. Last year, Carter had five outfits along with accessories.  

The models walk to a playlist that is made collaboratively among the whole group. 

“I love how Mode likes to incorporate everyone and lets people look for songs that would be good for the show,” Carter said.

Reminiscing on her favorite memories in A La Mode, Carter mentioned random bouts of group dancing. 

“Our random dances when we all just break out in dance, sometimes you just need to dance. We will all be together and laughing and everyone is just hyping everyone up,” Carter said.

“Being able to be in an environment where everyone just loves each other and actually cares about how your day is and wants to just listen to music with you and walk is so much fun,” said Carter.

Both Carter and Grant emphasized that A La Mode is meant to be a club for everyone. 

“We want all people who come from all different backgrounds, especially our models,” Grant said.

Grant explained they encourage men to come and try modeling as well. 

“I love to see men who try and model. If you dress well, come to us, we are so inviting,” Grant said. “Even if you are scared, we are gonna hold you, and give you so many hugs and love,” 

Heaven Haney, a senior popular and commercial music major, is the vice president of A La  Mode. Haney says supporting A La Mode is more important now than ever. 

“Loyola students should definitely support Mode because supporting the arts is definitely needed especially with the state of the world right now,” Haney said.

According to Haney, A La Mode is going to have more events along with the semester fashion shows and plenty of opportunities for students to get involved. While the events are still undergoing planning, students can find updates on the A La Mode instagram. 

Haney says A La Mode is an outlet of expression for them. 

“Mode affects Loyola’s community by providing opportunities to share their ideas and authenticity through fashion, music, and art,” Haney said.