Event highlights and theme

The 2025 Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion Revue brought a vibrant display of creativity and talent to Southside Elementary in Denham Springs, with this year’s theme, “Let’s Have a Ball,” setting a festive and elegant tone for the event. The theme inspired participants to incorporate elements of glamour, celebration, and formal wear into their fashion creations, resulting in a dazzling array of gowns, suits, and accessories that reflected both personal style and technical skill.

The school’s auditorium was transformed into a ballroom-inspired setting, complete with shimmering decorations, a runway stage, and ambient lighting that highlighted the young designers’ work. Attendees were treated to a runway show where participants modelled their handmade garments, showcasing not only their sewing abilities but also their confidence and stage presence.

Throughout the evening, the audience enjoyed a variety of fashion categories, including casual wear, formal attire, and costume design, each aligned with the overarching theme. The event also featured a special segment where participants explained the inspiration behind their designs, offering insight into their creative process and the effort involved in bringing their ideas to life.

Judges evaluated entries based on craftsmanship, originality, adherence to the theme, and presentation. The “Let’s Have a Ball” theme encouraged participants to think outside the box, resulting in a colourful and imaginative showcase that celebrated both tradition and innovation within the 4-H program.

Participant achievements and awards

Participants from across Livingston Parish demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, with many earning top honours for their innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship. In the Junior Division, Emily Thibodeaux impressed judges with her hand-sewn satin ball gown, complete with intricate beadwork and a custom-fitted bodice. Her attention to detail and poise on the runway earned her the Best Overall Junior Designer award.

In the Intermediate Division, Jackson Nguyen stood out with a modern take on formal menswear, crafting a tailored velvet blazer paired with coordinating trousers. His ensemble, inspired by vintage ballroom fashion, was praised for its clean lines and professional finish. Jackson received the Excellence in Construction award, recognising his technical skill and precision.

The Senior Division saw fierce competition, with several participants showcasing advanced techniques and original concepts. Sarah-Lee Martin took home the Top Senior Designer award for her avant-garde evening gown, which featured a dramatic layered skirt and hand-painted floral motifs. Her design was lauded for its creativity and bold interpretation of the theme.

Additional awards included the Creativity in Design award, presented to Mia Robertson for her whimsical masquerade-inspired costume, and the Spirit of 4-H award, given to Liam O’Connor for his leadership and support of fellow participants throughout the event. Each winner received a certificate, a commemorative ribbon, and a gift voucher to a local fabric store, encouraging them to continue pursuing their passion for fashion and design.

Beyond the individual accolades, the event also recognised group efforts. The Denham Springs 4-H Club received the Team Excellence award for their collaborative project—a coordinated collection of formal wear that highlighted sustainable materials and upcycled fabrics. Their presentation emphasised environmental awareness and teamwork, aligning with 4-H’s values of responsibility and innovation.

Community involvement and support

The success of the 2025 Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion Revue was made possible through the enthusiastic support of the local community, which played a vital role in bringing the event to life. Parents, teachers, and volunteers from across the parish contributed countless hours to help organise, set up, and manage the event, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all involved. From constructing the runway stage to assisting with fittings and backstage coordination, their dedication was evident in every detail.

Local businesses and organisations also stepped up to support the young designers. Several fabric and craft stores in the Denham Springs area donated materials, sewing supplies, and gift vouchers, helping participants bring their visions to fruition without financial strain. Additionally, a number of local seamstresses and fashion professionals volunteered their time to mentor participants in the weeks leading up to the revue, offering guidance on garment construction, fabric selection, and presentation techniques.

The event drew a large audience of family members, friends, and community leaders, all eager to celebrate the achievements of the 4-H youth. Representatives from the Livingston Parish Council and local school board were in attendance, showing their support for youth development programs and the arts. Their presence underscored the importance of community investment in extracurricular activities that foster creativity, confidence, and practical skills.

Several civic groups, including the local Rotary Club and Lions Club, provided refreshments and helped with event logistics, while Southside Elementary staff offered the venue and technical support. Their collaboration ensured that the event ran seamlessly and that participants felt celebrated and supported throughout the evening.

In a touching moment during the event, a special recognition was given to Mrs. Janice Broussard, a long-time 4-H volunteer and retired home economics teacher, for her decades of service to the program. Her mentorship has inspired generations of young designers, and her continued involvement exemplifies the spirit of community that defines the 4-H experience in Livingston Parish.

Event highlights and participant showcases

The 2025 Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion Revue dazzled with youthful flair and creative energy at Southside Elementary in Denham Springs, where the theme “Let’s Have a Ball” brought a whimsical elegance to the runway. The event was a vibrant celebration of emerging talent, with participants from across the parish presenting their handmade garments in a variety of categories, from casual daywear to formal evening looks.

Young designers, some as young as nine, strutted confidently in self-constructed ensembles that reflected both technical skill and personal style. The runway was alive with colour and texture—think tulle skirts, sequinned bodices, and bold prints that nodded to both classic silhouettes and contemporary trends. Each participant was judged not only on construction and fit but also on poise and presentation, making the showcase a true test of fashion-forward thinking and craftsmanship.

One standout moment came from the junior division, where a participant wowed the audience with a pastel ballgown featuring hand-stitched floral appliqués and a dramatic layered hemline. In the senior division, a sleek, tailored jumpsuit in emerald green turned heads, pairing structured lines with a soft satin finish—an ensemble that wouldn’t look out of place on a Sydney runway.

The event also included a commentary segment, where participants described their design process and fabric choices, offering insight into their creative journeys. This added a personal touch that resonated with the audience and judges alike, highlighting the thoughtful intention behind each garment.

With over 40 participants across multiple age groups, the revue was not only a showcase of talent but a celebration of individuality and the future of fashion design in regional communities. The energy was infectious, and the commitment to craftsmanship was evident in every stitch and seam.

Awards and category winners

The awards ceremony was a glittering finale to the evening, with judges recognising excellence across several divisions and categories. In the Junior Division, top honours went to 10-year-old Ava Broussard, whose blush pink A-line dress with scalloped lace trim and pearl detailing captured the judges’ attention for its impeccable finishing and age-appropriate elegance. Her look was praised for its balance of whimsy and wearability—an aesthetic that’s gaining traction in youth fashion circles globally.

In the Intermediate Division, the Construction category winner was Mia Landry, who presented a two-piece ensemble featuring a cropped bolero jacket and high-waisted culottes in a bold floral brocade. Judges noted her advanced tailoring techniques and fearless use of pattern, a nod to the maximalist trend currently sweeping through Australian resort wear collections.

The Senior Division saw fierce competition, but it was 17-year-old Camille Thibodeaux who took home the Overall Grand Champion title. Her emerald green satin jumpsuit, which had already turned heads on the runway, was lauded for its precision tailoring, clean lines, and modern silhouette. The judges highlighted her ability to merge classic elegance with contemporary edge—an approach that aligns with the current shift towards elevated minimalism in high-end fashion markets.

Additional category winners included:

• Best Use of Sustainable Materials: Ella Simmons, for her upcycled denim patchwork dress, crafted from repurposed jeans and lined with organic cotton.
• Most Creative Design: Jackson Miller, whose avant-garde metallic cape and structured trousers pushed the boundaries of traditional youth fashion.
• Best Presentation: Lily-Anne Dupre, who paired her vintage-inspired tea dress with a confident runway walk and a charming narrative about her grandmother’s influence on her design.

Each winner received a custom ribbon and certificate, with senior division champions also earning scholarship vouchers for future fashion education. The judging panel, comprised of local designers and educators, emphasised the importance of originality, technical execution, and storytelling—criteria that mirror the expectations of professional fashion competitions worldwide.