The showing, which is free and open to the public, will take 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" will feature a variety of evening dresses by the fashion program's 13 senior and five junior designers, who 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 1 at Saint Louis Galleria.

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

Specifically, "Gowns" allows students to explain and promote their concepts and designs on a face-to-face basis, mimicking the settings in which professional buyers will one day make decisions about their work.

"Each designer will be standing with a model wearing a lovely ensemble, discussing their process, inspiration and techniques," Singleton said.

Attendees — armed with clipboards and pencils — are put in the role of fashion critic, evaluating how well pieces stack up against a checklist of specific design problems.

"You may evaluate as many, or as few of the students' works as you wish," Singleton said. "There will be light refreshments and loads of schmoozing. It is fashion, you know, so you are obligated to have an enjoyable time."

For more information, call 935-6500.