On Thursday morning, the pavement at Le Conte and Broxton avenues went from parking lot to runway.
Victoria’s Secret’s PINK line set up shop, complete with runway, cameras and a changing room. They were there on the final leg of the PINK Road Trip to the Runway tour.
In addition to showcasing their fall line, which was released in stores last Tuesday, PINK representatives were auditioning college girls for a unique opportunity with the company ““ the chance to be a stand-in at the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show on Nov. 15.
Jodi Hassan, a publicist for Victoria’s Secret PINK, said university students embody the concept of the clothing.
“The college campus girl is the perfect PINK girl,” Hassan said.
Vanessa Stark, a third-year sociology student and brand ambassador for PINK, said their clothing was perfect for the college lifestyle.
“(You’re) just rushing to class, (but) you still look stylish and fashionable. It’s quintessential college-girl attire,” Stark said.
The PINK tour has hit college campuses all over the country, including Arizona State University, Ohio State University, University of Colorado at Boulder, and San Diego State University. Los Angeles was the final destination, with stops at USC and, ultimately, at UCLA.
People could come and visit the “pop-up shop” and find exclusive tour T-shirts, in addition to things from the new line. Any girl over the age of 18 could strut her stuff on the runway and try for a spot at the fashion show.
Michelle Kramer, a second-year psychology student, is an aspiring model as well as a PINK devotee.
“I love modeling … and I love the PINK collection. It lets you embrace your girly side,” Kramer said.
All the videos of the auditions will go up online at VSpink.com, and then a panel of judges from Victoria’s Secret will pick 30 girls to go to the fashion show. One of them may be selected to actually go out on the runway.
Sara Tervo, a spokesperson for Victoria’s Secret PINK, said looks are not the bottom line in this contest.
“(We’re) judging and selecting girls on originality, creativity, and their passion to go to the fashion show,” Tervo said.
Miranda Kerr is already living the dream of the girls auditioning.
For the past year and a half, she has been a model for the Victoria’s Secret PINK line. Kerr said she genuinely likes the clothing line she represents.
“It’s comfy but it’s still sexy. (Their clothes) are great for traveling,” Kerr said.
Kerr was a part of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show last year. She said it was one of her best experiences in modeling.
“It’s unreal. I felt blessed to be a part of it. I’ve done a lot of shows, but it’s the most fun,” Kerr said.
Hassan said the purpose of the contest was to find girls who were vibrant and personable, versus those with traditional model looks.
“These girls need to be friendly and fun and open,” Hassan said.
Tervo said that since its launch in July 2004, the PINK line has exploded to a $1 billion brand.
“It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Tervo said.