LUNAR GALA 2025 : ELYSIUM
Premise
Born in 1996, Lunar Gala is an annual student-run fashion show that showcases brilliant artistry in design, modeling, production, music, and dance performance. It is also the largest fashion event in Pennsylvania, with over 1,000+ attendees annually. Elysium marks the 29th anniversary of Lunar Gala.
Role(s)
Executive Producer, Sound Designer, Model
Timeline
May 2024 - March 2025
Motion Graphics by Garrett Lee
Theme and Sub-themes
The theme of Lunar Gala is selected each year based on the Lunar Zodiac calendar. For 2025, the Year of the Snake, we chose a theme that not only aligns with the serpent's symbolism but also resonates deeply with both our team and our audience: Elysium.
In Classical Greek Mythology, Elysium represents a paradise; the final resting place for the heroic and virtuous. However, we have reimagined Elysium not as a destination, but as an ever-evolving culmination of the paths we carve. To us, it reflects the continuous journey of growth, transformation, and rebirth that we all experience throughout our lives. something everybody consistently experiences throughout their life.
Graphics by Leslie Lin
Graphics by Leslie Lin
To diversify the overarching theme and style of the show, we divided Elysium into 4 concise acts through sub themes : Emergence, Blossom, Hubris, and Embrace, with each concept representing a step in our paths.
EMERGENCE
DESIGNED BY ERIKA EGLISKIS, SUNNY GUO
DESIGNED BY AZIZA NORKULOVA
EMERGENCE
BLOSSOM
DESIGNED BY CLARINE LEE, JOSEPHINE KIM
DESIGNED BY SADIE HAN, ASHLEY PARK
BLOSSOM
BLOSSOM
DESIGNED BY RAYYA GRACY, JACKSON UNDERWOOD
DESIGNED BY AMY CHA
BLOSSOM
BLOSSOM
DESIGNED BY NATE NEIRA
DESIGNED BY JULIA KASPER
BLOSSOM
Graphics by Lunar Gala 2025 Print Team
Producer Roles
As a Co- Producer, I was responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the organization throughout the year, including the management of 200+ team members across 7 departments and 12 sub departments. My role also included securing external sponsorships, negotiating with vendors, scheduling and budgeting, providing creative direction, and developing PR and marketing strategies to ensure a successful show.
As a Co-Producer, I oversaw the full operational lifecycle of Lunar Gala throughout the year, managing over 200 team members across 7 departments: Design, Modeling, Hair & Makeup, Production, Creative, Public Relations, and Finance, as well as 12 specialized sub-departments. I worked closely with department directors to align creative vision with organizational strategy, ensuring every team had the structure, resources, and timelines needed to deliver at the highest standard.
My role encompassed strategic planning, team leadership, and stakeholder management, including Budgeting & Financial Oversight, Sponsorship & Partnerships, Vendor Relations & Contracting, Creative Direction, Production Management, Marketing & PR Strategy, and Organizational Leadership.
Across all responsibilities, I served as a central bridge between artistic ambition and operational execution, ensuring that every creative decision was supported by strong planning, resource allocation, and aligned communication.
Gallery
Photos by Lunar Gala 2025 Photo Team
Sound Design
In addition to Producer, I also served as a Sound Designer, where I created soundtracks for two fashion lines in the show, Eve and Aporia. Additionally, I produced the audio for the opening sequence, act animations, and other audio assets used through the show.
© 2025 by Katherine M.W