Behind the Seams of Julia Capiton

Julia Capiton spent her childhood days immersed in a world of fabric and fantasy, dressing up in her mother’s closet when the house fell silent. Little did she know that these hidden closet adventures would ignite a passion, lighting the path for a journey to the gleaming runway lights of Campus Couture, where she now serves as Head Coordinator for her second year. 

Growing up, Capiton’s imagination and style were interwoven with sketching her own clothing designs and utilizing her mother’s closet as a space to explore her identity. 

“My mom is one of my biggest fashion icons and it was her perseverance and dedication in her own career that motivated me to pursue my dream.” Capiton said. 

Capiton's fascination in fashion grew as she evolved from playing dress-up in the closet to the runways in adulthood. Now as a fourth-year student, Capiton is pursuing a major in Fashion Merchandising and Business. 

However, Capiton was originally a psychology major. It was not until her sophomore year where she saw a shift as she transitioned from studying the human mind to delving into the world of fashion and trends. 

Julia Capiton is at the far right smiling in a dress at a Fashion Conference. Photo courtesy of Julia Capiton.

“Fashion was something that was always there for me, but it just took me a while to understand that this was the career I was meant to be in.” Capiton said. 

When Capiton first began modeling, she became drawn to the lively atmosphere of Campus Couture, Long Beach’s annual fashion show. Modeling became an outlet for her to express the creativity and joy she nurtured during her early stages of imaginative play. Capiton’s desire compelled her to apply for a position in Campus Couture the following year, in 2022. 

However, the outcome for Capiton exceeded her expectations. Instead of holding a job within the club, she was appointed Head Coordinator. As a transfer student navigating unfamiliar terrain at CSULB, Capiton embraced the high role as Head Coordinator of Campus Couture.

Now, as Head Coordinator for the second year in a row, Capiton oversees the entire club and allocates work to the other roles, allowing her to put on a successful show and apply the club’s mission. The purpose is based on a commitment to inclusivity and community. Capiton emphasizes Campus Couture as a space where everyone, no matter their background, demographics or major, feels that they belong. 

“Fashion is for everyone.” Capiton said. “Simple as that.” 

Julia Capiton sits the second to the left wearing a black dress. She is joined by her Campus Couture crew at a TeenVogue Summit. Photo courtesy of Julia Capiton.

The much-anticipated fashion show is Campus Couture’s yearly centerpiece. The show takes a year of meticulous planning of production, coordinating designers, models and the show’s theme. 

This year’s theme, “Botanical Ballroom” pays tribute to black and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture. Capiton envisions a celebration of creativity and individuality, using inspiration from Beyoncé’s Renaissance and FX’s show, Pose. The fashion show will have 18 designers and more than 100 contributors who will assist with the show. 

“I am looking forward to just bigger, better and greater things this year!” Capiton said. “I’m so proud of how hard my team has worked to put on what I know will be a show for the books.” 

As the architect behind the scenes, Capiton discusses the problems faced during the preparation stages. Solidifying a venue and navigating the protocols set by ASI and Campus Events emerge as significant hurdles. Yet, for every challenge, there's a moment of triumph. Capiton enjoys following the show's growth throughout the year, from the start of fundraising initiatives to the evolution of the designers' collections. 

“My favorite part about Campus Couture is seeing all the planning and work we’ve done from the beginning actually come alive and see our vision in front of our eyes.” Capiton said. “Especially being students with many other responsibilities outside of the organization, yet still putting on something so big has been the most rewarding part for sure.” 

Julia Capiton is smiling in the middle wearing a black hat. She is sitting with other fashion students. Photo courtesy of Julia Capiton.

Last year, the fashion show saw recorded numbers with its audience viewership and engagement. Those same audience members were drawn to Campus Couture and wanted to be designers or models. 

“Campus Couture is growing and it's great to see how much people want to be involved and the interest they have been showing in the organization.” Capiton said. 

The experience has provided Capiton with an education in business, widening her understanding of its significance in the world of fashion. Navigating several departments and engaging with numerous personalities outside the business has given Capiton a skill set that goes beyond the runway.

Outside of the runway, Campus Couture involves the CSULB community through their recent launch of Campus Creators Board, posting TikToks and conducting Brunch at the Beach interview specials. Capiton says these outreaches assist with being seen as more of a community organization rather than just a group of fashion students putting on a fashion show. 

Capiton envisions working in the fashion industry within the corporate world or at a creative standpoint. Capiton acknowledges the impact Campus Couture has had on her confidence and interpersonal skills. It has served as a gateway to providing her with the knowledge and skills to venture out of her comfort zone and apply for a higher position on the board. 

“Off to bigger and greater things, and I have Campus Couture to thank for it.”