Otis hosts 33rd Scholarship Benefit and Fashion show

Otis College of Art and Design (OCAD) is putting on its 33rd Annual Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show this Saturday, May 2nd.

Each year, the gala has about 800 guests including a creative group that involves fashion moguls, designers, models, students and more from the industry. The black-tie event includes a fashion runway show in which over 70 models will be showcasing over 175 designs including menswear, womenswear, and juniors apparel.

This year the event is introducing a new aspect to their gala by allowing the Silent Auction to be available online starting May 1st. Otis alumni will auction off their luxury pieces and artwork as well. Proceeds will contribute to the scholarship fund for Otis students. On May 2nd the online auction will add the garments created for the event’s fashion show.

OTIS Benefit Gala awards SoCal brands

Honorees for the event include Carlos Alberini, Gary Schoenfeld, and Trina Turk . Alberini, chairman of the board and CEO of Lucky Brand, will be awarded the Fashion Leadership Award. Schoenfeld, president and CEO of PacSun, will take home the Creative Vision Award. Lastly, Trina Turk, founder and designer of her eponymous label, will be rewarded the Fashion Innovation Award.

Last year, the event raised over 1 million dollars for student scholarships. Eighty percent of OCAD students require financial aid, according to their website. The benefit provides fashion and design students with better opportunities to pursue their education at OCAD.

The event takes place at the Beverly Hilton.