In handmade outfits representing fashion trends of the 1950s, 1980s and today, students of Needle and Thread Sewing Academy will show off their work in the school’s third annual fashion show on Sunday, May 18 at Holy Family in Luling from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The show is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and include coffee by Scooter’s Coffee and sweets by Southern Sweet Bliss.
Brenda Clesi, who runs the sewing school, said attendees can expect a show full of creativity, confidence and joy.
“It’s not your typical runway – this is a celebration of young artists and makers,” Clesi said. “The energy is contagious, and the outfits are as unique as the kids who made them. There will be music, themed looks and plenty of proud moments as our students take the stage and show off their hard work.”
The students will model their own outfits, which were all handmade from start to finish. This show’s theme is Sunflowers and Honeybees, and the outfits featured include poodle skirts, parachute pants, modern-day outfits, a few designs made from unconventional materials and more.
“There’s no shortage of creativity, and each piece reflects the unique style of the student who made it,” Clesi said. “We’ve got future costume designers, trendsetters and kids who just love the joy of making something with their hands.”
All the school’s students are from St. Charles Parish, and Clesi said the school serves both homeschoolers and public-school children. The students range in ages from 7 to 15.
“We hope the audience walks away inspired – not just by the clothes, but by the young people behind them,” Clesi said. “We want folks to see the value in hands-on skills, creativity and giving kids a space to express themselves.”
She said she is most looking forward to the moment the students walk on the stage.
“You see the nerves, the excitement, the pride—it’s powerful,” she said.
For Clesi, the fashion show is much more than just a show – it’s a community celebration.
“Our students have worked hard, and we would love for folks in the parish to come see what they’ve accomplished,” Clesi said. “None of this would be possible without the support of our local businesses and families.”
Parish residents who participated in the sewing school’s fundraising this year helped to make the show possible, Clesi said. St. Charles Printing will donate printed programs for the show, as well.
With the rising cost of supplies and the recent closing of the local Joann’s fabric store, keeping things running day-to-day has become more challenging for the school. Clesi said she hopes that the school’s new status as a nonprofit will help the school overcome those challenges.
“Our 501(c)(3) status gives us the chance to apply for grants and support that will help keep our doors open and our machines humming – because we want to be here for our kids for many years to come,” she said.
