SU College of Ag Fab Lab to Present A “MET” Gala: A Fashionable Fundraising Event

Baton Rouge, La. – The Southern University Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences’ (CAHES) Fashion and Business Laboratory (Fab Lab) will host its inaugural “MET” Gala at the Southern University Museum of Art and the Dr. Leon R. Tarver II Cultural & Heritage Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 6 p.m.

The event will kick off with a Pink Carpet Arrival followed by a Sponsor in Style Reception at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Regal Afrocentric Attire with a Southern Flair, embracing the spirit of the evening.

The MET Gala’s theme, “Coming to America: From Africa to The Bluff & Beyond A Celebration of Fashion & Heritage,” pays homage to the deep-rooted connections between African fashion and Southern style. This exclusive event will feature stunning fashion showcases highlighting designs created by the Fab Lab Fellows and a curated experience of art, music, and culture reflecting the rich heritage of the African diaspora and Southern roots.

This fundraising initiative will support fashion innovation, education, and entrepreneurship at Southern University. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships, resources, and creative opportunities for students in the Fashion Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (FMDT) Program.

General admission tickets are $30, VIP tickets are $50, and will include a special gift and an open bar. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information visit,  https://bit.ly/4hV7EXC.

For additional information on the FAB Lab, contact Dr. Samii Kennedy-Benson, Fab Lab Program Director and Chair of the CAHES Human Sciences at samii_kenedybenson@subr.edu.

About the Fab Lab

The Fab Lab was established in 2021 through a USDA 1890 Capacity Building grant to foster a business incubator focused on fashion design and apparel entrepreneurship. This FAB Lab provides design space with equipment, tools, and materials resources.

Four programs have been initiated through Fab Lab.

• FAB Fellows Leadership Program for students enrolled in the FMDT Program provides mentorship,

  stipends, and assistance with the development of a fashion line or apparel business.

• Fab Youth Leaders Program for minority middle and high school-aged youth in Baton Rouge and surrounding rural areas to teach entrepreneurial and fashion design skills through a summer youth program.
• Fab Entrepreneurs Program for members of the community which provides networking events featuring lectures and guest speakers, fashion line and portfolio reviews, workshops, and short-courses to promote and support fashion entrepreneurship.
• FAB Certificate Program which provides formal fashion design and apparel entrepreneurship education for FMDT students, minority high school-aged youth, and community members interested in starting a business or improving an existing fashion and apparel small business.