Fashion waits for no one, and for students majoring in apparel design and merchandising, planning the first-ever student-run preview of Discarded to Divine, a fashion collection that will be featured at the de Young museum, this is more than just a class assignment on deadline.

Preparations are well under way for the preview of the garments that will be auctioned off during the May 7 show at the de Young Gift Center Pavilion. This is the first year SF state students have been put in charge of a major museum preview for the show, which is named after the concept of turning old, discarded clothing into one-of-a-kind, high-end fashion.

A group of 17 students from Connie Ulasewicz's apparel design and merchandising class are putting together the preview event. Their responsibilities include picking up and displaying the garments.

Sirika Smith, a member of the class, volunteered to be the group coordinator. She came up with a game plan to distribute the tasks and organize how the students are going to prepare for the event.

"This event is held for people to view the garments that will be auctioned," said Smith. "I like the de Young museum. I enjoy the exhibits they have there. This is a great opportunity to experience how it is first-hand to be a part of something like this."

Diana Wong is the only SF State student who submitted a garment for the event, and she is still unsure if her piece will be incorporated into the event.

Apparel design and merchandising graduate Ray Gin is working closely with St. Vincent de Paul as a freelance volunteer event production coordinator.

"This is a damn good cause," Said Gin. "There are a lot of ugly things in the world. That's why I want to be apart of something where I can give back to the community."

Jennifer Siebel Newsom is the honorary chairperson for this event, and it is rumored by Ulasewicz that she and the Mayor may be attending.

For many of the students, this is their first experience organizing a major event, and they are faced with a few challenges.

"Space is a major concern for us," said Smith. "We have to make sure that our displays are six feet away from the murals on the walls, and the garments must be able to be viewed [at] 360 degrees. This makes things difficult because the actual space is small, and we have a total of 85 mannequins."

The group voted on the floor plan for the preview last Thursday.

There are a total of 85 garments, two hats, three chairs, five lamps, some jewelry, and a couple pillows at the preview.

Jesse Blankinship-Smith is one of the merchandising majors participating in the event. Her tasks include setting up and taking down everything once the event is completed.

"I am excited to see how something at the de Young works," said Blankinship-Smith. "Being a part of the merchandising team and the whole concept is a great opportunity, and I am very excited to see how it all works out."

Some of the designers may come as a surprise.

"I was really excited to see that some garments were actually created by children ages 8-11, and they look very couture," said Jessica Wybenga, a group member. The term couture refers to high-fashion design and dressmaking.

"It is going to be a wonderful event. Last year, a thousand people showed up. But this year with the economy and fewer garments, the outcome is unsure," said Ulasewicz.

The preview will take place on Friday, April 17th at 5 p.m. This event is free. Tickets are $65, and a student rate of $35. Proceeds are given to St. Vincent de Paul to help the homeless men and women of San Francisco. Garments will not be sold at the preview.