Channeling Creative Energy on the Runway
Here at Avenue Five Institute, we love watching our aspiring professionals step outside of their daily routines to collaborate on complex, imaginative projects. For our recent “Victorian Nocturne” Fall Fashion Show, afternoon student Nikki Thirumalai and her team fully embraced the opportunity to push their technical boundaries. As a student in our Cosmetology Program at the North Austin Campus, Nikki brought a collaborative spirit to the exciting runway event.
When preparing for the show, Nikki and her classmates focused on blending historical aesthetics with modern execution. Taking on the dramatic prompt of the Victorian Nocturne, they developed a striking visual narrative. “We decided to play with the concept of life and death, while incorporating elements of Victorian-era fashion and hair,” Nikki shared. To ensure their intricate styles held up under the bright runway lights, her team relied on professional products from Lanza and Wella, selecting them specifically for their reliability in styling and hydrating.
Fostering Collaborative Culture in North Austin
The Avenue Five Institute culture is deeply rooted in teamwork, and the preparation for this fashion show highlighted exactly how our students support one another. For Nikki, the shared experience with her peers was a major highlight of the event. “Getting together and working as a team to bring together an idea was a lot of fun. We started on the same date, so now we get to work together,” she explained.
Navigating the creative process with a passionate group naturally presented some hurdles to navigate. “We had a lot of ideas, so slimming them down was hard since we’re all very creative,” Nikki noted. By leaning into their shared vision, they successfully refined their concepts into a cohesive runway presentation. The backstage environment reflected this vibrant dynamic, with Nikki describing the atmosphere as a fun, energetic group that brought a lot of energy to the preparation phase.
Preparing for a Diversified Career
Participating in complex events like the Fall Fashion Show provides valuable, hands-on experience for our students as they prepare to enter the industry. Nikki recognizes the value of stepping outside of her comfort zone to tackle new techniques. “It’s been challenging to try a new style of look and preparation, so it’s been nice to diversify,” she said.
As she continues her Avenue Five Institute training, Nikki is focused on building a versatile skill set. Looking ahead to her career after graduation, her goal is to specialize in vivid colors and curly hair. As her team’s intricate Victorian design hits the runway, Nikki’s objective for the audience is clear: “We hope people will admire the creativity and effort that went into putting our look together.”
