Models. Makeup. Sewing. Designing. Runway. All are elements of fashion, which has been used by society as a form of expression — giving people a way to voice themselves through a plethora of patterns, colors, textures, accessories, and even hairstyles.

Now, a club at UNLV is creating a literal runway for students looking to channel their fervor for fashion into community and networking opportunities, internships, or careers.

Runway Rebels, the brainchild of freshman Cameron Thomas, debuted in fall 2023. Thomas, an aspiring model, is majoring in African American and African Diaspora Studies. He has been fascinated by the fashion world since childhood — watching America’s Next Top Model and rating Met Gala red carpet looks with friends. 

When he arrived at UNLV, he was dismayed to learn that he couldn't channel his passion into a dedicated major or student club on campus. He mentioned this to his mentor, Deirdre Clemente, the professor and fashion historian asked: "Why don't you start one?" 

Thomas did just that. 

Runway Rebels draws in students from various majors — ranging from journalism to history and everything in between — with an eye for style. Members with interests in design, modeling, makeup artistry, entertainment writing, and more collaborate on fashion shows, museum showcases, and other events.

“There are a lot of fashionable students here at UNLV. I created the club to give every student a chance to be a part of the fashion industry and get the exposure that they crave,” said Thomas, who had the club up and running within weeks of his arrival at UNLV. “It helps give students opportunities to make connections and network — such as modeling, production management and more — so they can make a career out of this.” 

Thomas recruited Clemente to serve as the group’s faculty advisor.

“I would say that Runway Rebels was born of necessity,” said Clemente, who first encountered Thomas when he enrolled in her fashion history course. “There wasn’t a cohesive place for students who are interested in modeling, designing clothes, photography, video — the list goes on — to gather and learn. In a town as creative as Las Vegas, the club gives students an opportunity to engage with professionals in the field of their interest, making fashion a more viable profession.”

Hands-On Experiences and New Perspectives

The club was an immediate success. Only two semesters into operation, there are more than 40 registered members. They meet every other Wednesday and have already collaborated on or sponsored about six events, including the Omega Exposé Fashion Show and an NFL Wives Association event. The Runway Rebels have also partnered with community organizations, including the Clark County Museum and Las Vegas Fashion Council (LVFC).

Victoria Akpan, a club member who graduated in May with a political science degree, described the lively environment as she helped during a casting event where she, herself, was scouted on the spot as well. 

“I modeled when I was a kid and I will honestly say that Runway Rebels has gotten me farther today by really opening up doors for me,” Akpan said. “I was able to connect with various individuals in different scenarios, and I learned how to adapt in situations, communicate, and take on responsibilities that will help me in my career.”

Darnel Santos, who identifies as non-binary, said the club has become a safe haven for self-exploration.

“Being a part of Runway Rebels means being able to strengthen and align with my intersecting identities — such as my creative, psychological, and queer identity,” explained Santos, a freshman majoring in art. “I've been trying on ruffle blouses and skirts that I was hesitant to wear, but with the club, I was able to push myself on going out in public with those clothing pieces.”

Community Partnership

And it’s not just about helping students. Runway Rebels is also working to become a cornerstone of community impact. 

The LVFC — a non-profit established about a decade ago to advance the local fashion industry to global prominence by cultivating connections, fostering public appreciation of fashion arts, supporting emerging artists with scholarships and career and mentorship opportunities, and diversifying the local economy — has partnered with Runway Rebels on three events. That includes LVFC's signature artLIVE fashion show, during which club members painted a mannequin for auction and assisted behind the scenes with registration, auction support, model check-in, and social media postings.

This winter, LVFC awarded Thomas, the Runway Rebels founder, the “Volunteer of the Year Award” for his dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership in support of the organization.

Carrie Carter Cooper, LVFC’s founder and executive director, said the formation of a club like Runway Rebels is right on time for a city that has long ago earned the moniker “Entertainment Capital of the World” for its elaborate fashions and costumes on display during Cirque Du Soleil, showgirl, and concert performances. 

"With Las Vegas undergoing dynamic transformation, marked by the influx of production studios into the market, the city is experiencing a surge in TV and film productions. Hence, there's a heightened significance in bolstering the fashion industry. This entails empowering designers, hair and makeup professionals, models and talent as well as event and production services," Cooper emphasized. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with these students to provide them with an outlet."

In looking to the future, Thomas strives to bring people of diverse backgrounds together around the common thread of fashion.

“I don’t want this club to be just a box for people that are interested in fashion,” Thomas said. “I want people to bring their own sense of style and personality, so I really strive for creativity and inclusivity in this club — because it’s that diversity that makes fashion fierce.”

Want to get involved? Learn more about Runway Rebels on the UNLV Involvement Center website or on Instagram at @runwayrebelz.