On October 17, a fashion show, RE: PASSAGE—showcasing the work of students from the HSE Art and Design School in St. Petersburg, took place at the Passage Shopping Center.
Our team participated in every key phase of the project’s preparation and execution: from developing the application submission system and preliminary online screening to conducting the in-person casting, selecting the final roster of models, and accompanying the event.
0.1 Casting Preparation and Launch
The process began with organizing the model search for the student design collection showcase. Casting announcements were developed and published, detailing the project information, candidate requirements, participation terms, application deadlines, and the anticipated modeling commitments. Special attention was given to ensuring that potential participants clearly understood the casting format, appearance requirements, the necessity of attending rehearsals, fittings, and the show itself. Furthermore, a system for collecting applications and initial candidate communication was established as part of the preparation, allowing for centralized information management and the systematic organization of subsequent selection stages.
02. Creation and Maintenance of the HSE TGD Model
To systematize the search for models, a dedicated Telegram channel, HSE Models, was independently created and managed. This serves as a communication hub for publishing casting calls, photoshoots, and creative projects by students of the HSE Art and Design School. A channel structure, guidelines for posting announcements, and a unified protocol for submitting model applications were developed. A detailed guide was prepared for participants outlining photo requirements, parameters, contact information, and portfolio presentation format. Channel management involved creating and formatting casting announcements, publishing participation requirements, responding to candidate questions, updating organizational information, and supporting the application campaign. The established system allowed the channel to be utilized not only for specific shows but also as a permanent platform for interaction between student designers and prospective models for future projects.
03. Application Submission and Preliminary Online Screening
The first stage of casting was conducted remotely via a Telegram channel. The work involved collecting and processing applications, verifying candidate data, and pre-screening for alignment with the show’s requirements. Individual communication with participants was also maintained: clarifying information, answering questions, and coordinating organizational details. Following the online phase, a list of candidates invited to the in-person casting was finalized.
04. In-Person Casting Preparation
14 October | Cable Workshop, Saint Petersburg
The next phase involved organizing an in-person casting session in the Cable Workshop space. Preparation included compiling and updating lists of invited models, developing organizational instructions, and informing participants about arrival times, venue location, dress code, and the selection process. Separate coordination was managed for fittings of the selected models, time constraints, and the requirement for participants to be present at every stage of the runway preparation.
05. Conducting Casting and Working on the Selection Committee
The on-site casting continued directly with the selection committee. Candidates were evaluated for participation in a fashion show, considering their physical appearance, alignment with the designer collections, and runway presentation skills. Based on the casting results, 30 models were selected from 120 candidates to continue preparations for the show.
06. Fitting and Finalizing Looks
Following the casting session with the selected models, fittings and styling of looks were conducted in accordance with the designer collections. Based on the fitting results, a final roster of models was established, complete with assigned looks for the upcoming show.
07. Site Work and Show Assistance
October 17 | Passage Department Store, Saint Petersburg
The final phase of the project involved assisting in organizing a fashion show for students of the HSE Art and Design School at the Passage Shopping Center. The work continued directly on the event site as an assistant to the show team.
08. Project Results
As part of the project, the complete cycle of model casting for showcasing student design collections was organized and coordinated.Key Outcomes:— A dedicated Telegram channel, HSE Models, was created and established for publishing casting calls and sourcing models. — Application guidelines, informational materials, and a unified candidate presentation format were developed. — The process of collecting applications, preliminary online selection, and participant communication was organized. — An in-person casting call was prepared and conducted, with on-site coordination of participants. — Involvement in the selection committee was completed: 30 models were chosen from 120 candidates. — Fittings, styling, and the distribution of looks among the models were organized. — Organizational support for the project and assistance during the fashion show were provided.The project integrated expertise in organizing model castings, sourcing and selecting models, participant coordination, communications management, and organizing fashion events, covering all stages of working with the model lineup—from initial selection to the final show.
