Behind the Scenes of MIT Gala by Gloria Z. '26
liveblog - how a fashion show is made!
Over the past three years, I’ve been on the organizing board for MIT Gala, our student-run fashion show! Originally conceptualized in 2023 as the launch event for Infinite Magazine, the annual event has since spun out into something much larger, including a student arts showcase, live music, and of course the titular runway show. Planning MIT Gala is a yearlong effort, culminating in one joyful night of celebrating art and design at MIT. In fact–today’s the day of Gala 2025: April 27th! Setup begins at 8AM, and the event starts at 5PM, so come with me as we go behind the scenes to see how a fashion show is made.
!!
(Before we begin–this is the amazing team getting it done: sophia, aimee, layla, pria, mich, vieyiti, jessica, selena, sophie, lindsay, julia, maggie, michelle, eliana, joanne, andy, & me!)
9:30AM – In the student center, Mich is in the midst of running the first of three modeling workshops for everyone that will be walking the runway today. I stop by to say hi and snap a couple pics. All the models are dressed in all black, learning how to walk on beat and pose and turn.
slaying
10AM – Over at the Media Lab, where MIT Gala will be held on the 6th floor, set design (Maggie + Julia + Lindsay) is hard at work setting up the runway with a border of iridescent fabric and string lights. The rest of the team is putting down tablecloths, working out logistics, and setting up the AV system. An Area 4 coffee/breakfast order is also in the works…
10:30AM – Laptop Ensemble, who will be performing the music for the runway portion of Gala, is starting to set up their equipment and test the audio system, armed with an impressive array of synths, cables, and Cool Looking Audio Gear. E33—who will be doing all the lighting—has also just arrived with a cart full of expensive looking projection lights, black boxes of Technical Stuff, and even thicker cables. In the meantime, I’m trying to figure out how the very intimidating AV box works…
11AM – Michelle is setting up the tripod to film the runway, and our breakfast order is here!!
12PM – Designers are filtering in to drop off their garments in the back room, and artists who are displaying things in the gallery are coming to install their work on the tables and walls. I have also finally acquired an HDMI cable, so I can start testing my projections, which will be on the walls in the background of the runway :D
12:30PM – MoDonk (a combination of members from two dance groups, Mocha Moves and Ridonkulous) have arrived to rehearse their dance, which they’ll perform right before the runway show. Laptop Ensemble is trying out every cable they own to try and get the audio to play from the 15+ speakers mounted on the ceiling.
1:30PM – Mich is overseeing the first runway walkthrough, making sure all the models are familiar with the runway route and how to walk in sync at 115 BPM. I’m testing my visuals on the walls :-)! After this walkthrough, all the models will be funneled to the rooms in the back for styling and fitting.
2:30PM – Makeup and hair are in full swing! The remainder of the set is also getting pieced together, including an improvised mylar barrier for the models to walk behind before getting on the runway.
3:45PM – waiting for the dress rehearsal at 4PM to start = time for minecraft longplay + zzz
4:15PM – Setting up the photo booth and the gallery, running through the dress rehearsal, and jazz ensemble unpacking all their instruments!
Aand doors open at 5! This’ll be the last update of tonight—I’ll be back after the event with all the nice photos and a recap. Thanks for coming along :))