Metrolink hosts fashion show at Los Angeles Union Station

Los Angeles Union Station

group of women in fashion clothes — Some of the many models and their original outfits at Los Angeles Union Station. Metrolink

Whenever communities, large or small, renovate and rejuvenate railroad passenger stations, the question becomes; What now? For many, whether it be one train a day, or dozens, local denizens want to see their hard work put to use the facility for events other than being a stationary harbor for incoming and outgoing trains.

Metrolink, Southern California’s predominant commuter agency has come up with a number of creative ways to keep its premier station in the news, including waiving fares and hosting a Sustainable Student Fashion Show in honor of Earth Day.

woman in fashion clothes walking — The model’s runaway normally sees a bevy of rail travelers heading to and from their trains. Metrolink

In addition to offering free rides, the agency’s fashion show featured sustainable designs by 23 local high school and college students. Fashion is the second-highest-polluting industry behind fossil fuels, demonstrating the need for sustainable decision-making to include and extend beyond transportation.

“Younger generations are driving change, especially around sustainability,” Metrolink Board Director and former Santa Monica Mayor and City Councilmember Pam O’Connor, who was in attendance, said. “The overwhelming participation in this fun and creative event and the success of the Metrolink Student Adventure Pass pilot program shows commitment to sustainability. At Metrolink, we’re fostering a culture of environmental consciousness that resonates beyond our trains. Together, we can embark on this journey towards a more sustainable future. And that’s something we are proud of.”

Participating student designers represented 12 colleges and five high schools from within Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. Designs were constructed from upcycled textiles and repurposed unconventional materials, including vinyl records, rice bags and unclaimed art class paintings.

A quartet of high school students swept the competition’s awards podium with La Cañada High School’s Kaylee Chun taking top honors for her unconventional materials design which was constructed from paper and reusable canvas shopping bags.

people standing in line in station — Another view of the models. LAUS has been used for many non-railroad venues over the years, including a stint at the Academy Awards. Metrolink

A Brief Los Angeles Union Station history

Since its opening in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station has long been considered a vital portal to the promise of the California Dream. The Station was designed with a blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco architecture now commonly referred to as Mission Moderne.

The 52-acre transportation hub is positioned in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles offering essential connections to destinations throughout Southern California. Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is often regarded as “the last of the great train stations.”

So, what’s cooking at your city’s station?