Have you heard? Fashion Week has come and gone, right here in Columbia. The University of South Carolina’s Fashion Board, a group of students with a passion for style, just celebrated their third Fashion Week under the direction of president Marquis Bias.
“It seems like yesterday that USC Fashion Week was just something I was dreaming about in my bedroom back home in Timmonsville. I feel so fortunate to not only have an organization, but an entire community that believed in my dream and my vision,” he muses.
“It feels good to know that I helped start something that has really made a change in Columbia fashion, something to be remembered for.”
For three years, Marquis led the Fashion Board in organizing a week of events culminating in a show featuring student designers as well as plenty of fashion forward local retailers. And he led them in style, dressed in sequins more often than not.
“Marquis’ enthusiasm for all things fashion is contagious!” explains local boutique owner Melissa Blanchard.
“USC has a great retail program, so it makes sense that he connected local shops with students. I like that the relationship he helped forge between the school and local businesses is about helping the students with projects, not just trying to advertise to them.”
For these pages, Marquis styled student model and fellow Fashion Board member Kayla Blake, photographed on USC’s historic Horseshoe. Though Marquis is graduating soon, his legacy remains. Will he be back for the show next year?
“Oh, yes,” he enthuses. “I wouldn’t miss it!”
Local fashion mavens won’t want to miss it, either. Mark your calendar!
Hair by Erica Wiggins, Shannon Brogdon and Jenny Beam of Shear Xpectations. Makeup by Yana Kazunas of Shear Xpectations.
LaRoque top and shorts Tory Burch shoes from VanJean
TOMS espadrilles, AG Jeans, Bella Dahl top and jewelry, all from Bohemian
BCBGeneration dress from M Boutique
