Behind the Scenes Day
A campus visit dedicated to fashion – Join us on April 11!
One of the largest student-run fashion shows in the nation happens right here at Iowa State – and you’re invited! April 11, 2025, is Behind the Scenes Day – we can’t wait to see you!
Behind the Scenes Day is a campus visit like no other! Part of the Iowa State University Fashion Show, this visit will take you behind the scenes of the largest student-run fashion show in the nation.
Throughout the day, you’ll participate in hands-on activities related to the fashion industry. Current students will share their Iowa State experience and answer your questions.
The day ends with a front-row seat for the final dress rehearsal for The Fashion Show. The full event draws a sold-out crowd of over 2,000 people and routinely includes guest designers from companies like Steve Madden, Urban Outfitters, and Nordstrom.
Behind the Scenes day is designed for high-school students and their families/support systems. High school teachers are also welcome to bring their students as a group.
Registration Information
Registration will be open soon!
Cost: There is a charge of $10.00 per attendee for Behind the Scenes Day, which must be paid at time of registration.
Individual Regisatraton
Register using the Individual Registration button below if you are a student attending with a parent/chaperone.
Parental Permission/Participant Agreement Form: A parental permission/participant agreement form must be signed in ink and submitted for each student attendee by Friday, April 12th, 2024. All three pages must be included to be considered complete. Completed forms can be scanned and emailed to humsci@iastate.edu or mailed to:
College of Human Sciences
Attn: Behind the Scenes Day
2302 Osborn Drive
0118 MacKay Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1078
A confirmation email will be sent to you once our office receives and processes your form.
Need help completing the registration process? Check out the individual registration help sheet and Behind the Scenes Day frequently asked questions resources.
Groups/Schools Registration
Register using the Group/School Registration button below if you are bringing multiple students as a part of a school or other organization. Groups/schools are allowed 8 students per 1 chaperone with a maximum of 16 students.
Parental Permission/Participant Agreement Form: A parental permission/participant agreement form must be signed in ink and submitted for each student attendee by Friday, April 12th, 2024. All three pages must be included to be considered complete. Completed forms can be scanned and emailed to humsci@iastate.edu or mailed to:
College of Human Sciences
Attn: Behind the Scenes Day
2302 Osborn Drive
0118 MacKay Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1078
A confirmation email will be sent to you once our office receives and processes your forms.
Need help completing the registration process? Check out the group/school registration help sheet and Behind the Scenes Day frequently asked questions resources.
A Look into The Fashion Show Behind The Scenes Day
Full Day Experience ( 8:00 AM- 5:45 PM)
Morning Information Sessions
In a rotation of 3 separate morning information sessions, attendees will learn all about the different major tracks within the Apparel Merchandising and Design (AMD) program, all about the AMD-focused extracurriculars offered, as well as a presentation and Q&A session from this year’s guest designer.
Lunch will be Provided
Student Experience Fair
Booths about all things fashion and Iowa State will be set up and led by current students. Behind the Scenes Day attendees will be free to explore the fair, learn about the different clubs, organizations, communities, major & minor options, etc., and hear about students’ personal experiences.
Start of Half-Day Experience (12:30 PM – 5:45 PM)
Those attending a full day will do all sessions listed on this page. Those who opt for the half day experience will start with afternoon workshops.
Afternoon Workshops
Attendees will attend a series of workshops led by fashion design and merchandising students and faculty. These workshops expose students to a wide variety of subjects, such as fashion history, pattern making, apparel buying, visual merchandising, styling, fashion illustrations, branding, sustainability and more.
Student Panel
Attendees will be introduced to a panel of fashion design and merchandising students, and invited to ask them questions about anything the program and/or Iowa State in general. This sessions is 45 minutes where attendees can ask questions and get answers from current Iowa State fashion students.
The Fashion Show Final Dress Rehearsal
The day culminates with attending the final dress rehearsal for The Fashion Show!