The showing, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the School of Art's Des Lee Gallery, located downtown in the University Lofts building, 1627 Washington Ave.

Gowns in the Gallery Who: Washington University fashion design majors What: Fashion showing Where: The School of Art's Des Lee Gallery, located in the University Lofts building, 1627 Washington Ave. When: 6-8 p.m. today

Gowns in the Gallery will feature evening dresses inspired by the Quilt National Exhibition, displayed last fall at St. Louis' City Museum. The 11 junior and eight senior designers will be on hand to discuss the finer points of color, construction and other details both large and small.

The show also offers an early look at this year's Washington University Fashion Show, a full-blown Paris-style extravaganza hitting the catwalk May 5 at the Saint Louis Galleria.

Both the intimate Gowns and the May extravaganza provide valuable professional experience for young designers preparing to launch careers in the fashion industry, said Jeigh Singleton, a well-known designer and area coordinator for fashion.

Singleton also noted that these sorts of events allow students to explain and promote their concepts and designs on a face-to-face basis, and mimic the settings in which professional buyers will one day make decisions about their work.

"Most people in the business talk about clothes more than they show clothes on models on the runway," Singleton said. "The gallery show gives students an opportunity to talk about the ideas and concepts behind the dresses."