On Saturday, Mississippi State University students gathered to celebrate creativity and tradition at the Annual Beaux Arts Ball hosted by the American Institute of Architecture Students, or AIAS.
The event has long been a tradition within the architecture program and continues to serve as a major social and artistic highlight for students in the College of Architecture, Art and Design.
The Beaux Arts Ball traces its origins to the late 19th century at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Architecture students hosted creative, often loud, thematic costume balls.
According to Olyvia English, a third-year architecture student and an event chair for the AIAS, the tradition later spread to American architecture schools, where it became known for extravagant themes, expressive fashion and engaging atmospheres. The most notable replications of this event occurred in early 20th-century New York.
At MSU, the ball is run by students in the university’s AIAS chapter and features unique venues and themed attire.
For the 2026 Beaux Arts Ball, the AIAS announced an Art Nouveau theme on their Instagram, @bab.msstate.2026. Along with the announcement, there was also an inspiration post to help students get an idea of what to wear.
Art Nouveau means “New Art.” It is an international decorative style that flourished between 1890 and 1910. The style is characterized by flowing asymmetrical lines inspired by plants, flowers and vines. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this style not only influenced fashion but also architecture and design.
English said the organization started with 25 suggestions for this year’s theme. After sending out polls to students to narrow the options, the committee finally decided on the theme.
English said the theme highlights the depth and flexibility of architecture as an art form.
“I think it really shows what architecture can be, that it’s more than just a word or theme,” English said. “It can be expressed in many different ways.”
Students attending the event embraced the creative choice, with many making a noticeable effort to reflect the theme in their attire.
Natalie Turner, a senior majoring in English and anthropology, said the theme enhanced the overall experience of the ball.
“Usually, I feel like whenever there are themes for events like this, people don’t always dress on theme, but I think there’s more of an effort for this event. And that makes it a lot more fun than I was expecting.” Turner said.
Students arrived wearing various floral patterns along with a common palette of green, brown, blue and beige. Along with their ensembles, some also incorporated pearls, beautiful waist jewels, gold and silver jewelry and flower crowns. Gold and silver were also worked into some of the fabrics of their clothes. A few students expressed their own sense of style, breaking away from the theme by wearing beautiful, puffy ball gowns and even cowboy hats.
Venue selections also played a key role in reinforcing the theme. The event took place at Shorty’s, an on-site bar and event venue at The Mill. Its dark red walls and mood lighting set the creative tone for the theme.
Jay Snodgrass, a fourth-year architecture student, said the setting helped bring the Art Nouveau inspiration to life, noting that the venue felt like the perfect fit for the theme.
“They did a really great job picking out a place that matches the theme. And it’s been super fun so far.” Snodgrass said.
In recent years, the Beaux Art Ball has featured a range of imaginative themes, including “Gothic Fantasy” in 2025 and, in 2024, a celebration of the School of Architecture’s 50th anniversary with the theme “Abstract: The Design of the 70s and Beyond.” Each theme has highlighted the different aspects and designs of architecture.
As the tradition continues, the Beaux Arts Ball remains a space where students can explore designing beyond the classroom while celebrating creativity, history and community.
