The annual Caribbean Student Association (CSA) fashion show doesn’t just happen; it’s the result of months of planning.

The CSA is preparing for their annual fashion show, planning things like their budget, auditions and much more to pull off this event.”

Auditions for CSA’s fashion show took place in the Alumni Annex on Nov. 30, which may seem early since the event is in April, but the level of planning that goes into this event necessitates early brainstorming. CSA’s president and business administration student Grace-Oriana Andre and secretary of graduate affairs and communications student Desheania Andrews said, “We start planning the fashion show from the previous year during summer break. That is when we choose our theme, start searching for our designers and preparing our budget.”

The group will hold another round of model auditions in the spring. And they still must secure space, staff and designers.

Despite the work that goes into these shows, members of the CSA look to the bright side of the event. Kaya Francis, the CSA historian and a business management student, said “I personally enjoy the fashion show because it gives people from all backgrounds an opportunity to express themselves… from the designers showing their best work, to the models walking down the aisle in the utmost confidence.”

Andrews said the event was a favorite during Black and Latino Alumni Weekend (BLAW) because “you get to experience a top-of-the-line real fashion show with designers from all over the tri-state.”

In the joint response, Andre and Andrews said that they “worked with [a] variety of different [fashion] brands such as Mario & Lee, PND Gold Label & PVID Nation.”

At this past spring’s fashion show,with a theme of Caribbeans in Paris, guests were asked to dress in their best attire, as if they were attending the Met Gala. The show’s opening scene was a performance by the Monsoon Dance Crew, dressed as Mimes.

The CSA fashion show is planned for April 21. To look for more CSA events, check out their Charger Connection page or their Instagram page @newhaven_csa.