Students Rock the Runway

Thursday night, the University held its first annual fashion show Rock the Runway, which was co-sponsored by University Programs and the apparel design department. The Ferguson Center Ballroom was full of students, some of which said they were unsure of what to expect from the designers.

Lashara Barnes, director for University Programs, said she had high expectations for the night.

"We didn't think this many people would show up. We are actually having to bring out extra seats to accommodate the people," she said moments before the show started. Even with the added seats, there were still crowds huddled in every available corner of the Ferguson Ballroom.

Barnes said this did not intimidate the crew. The production staff was expecting great things to happen.

"I like the variety; I don't think any of the collections are anything alike," Barnes said.

The show started with Kortney Ferguson's 80's inspired collection "phLavor." The dominant colors in her designs were yellow and green. The throwback to the days of popped collars and leg warmers was definitely evident, especially when a tribute to Flavor-Flav emerged from behind the curtains as members of the crowd squealed.

The night was not limited to fashion majors though., Corinthian Ryans, a business major, presented his collection "Million Dollar Shots" to the crowd. One audience member said, "Who knew business majors has so much creativity?"

As the night progressed, the themes seemed to get more personal. Travis Mackey, a sophomore majoring in apparel design, introduced his line "Supporting 'Our' Troops" by explaining that he was inspired by two things, "the troops and supporting your beliefs."

The collection started with a pair of models strutting out in a vest and slacks while the other wore a complete suit. All of the outfits presented in the collection were in pink camouflage fatigues with a taste of white and black throughout the pattern.

Mackey's collection received the first standing ovation of the night when a young blonde model walked out in a skirt and blouse combo. As she began to unzip the skirt, the audience fell silent. The crowd erupted into applause as she completely removed the skirt revealing the matching shorts underneath.

The collection still had one more surprise with the formal dress. The model appeared in a mermaid style dress, and halfway through her walk, two models helped her detach the sides and reattach them at the back to create a bow. This transformation drew the crowd to their feet again.

"Good Girl Gone Bad" immediately followed by Tenecia Craig, a senior majoring in apparel design.

"'Good Girl Gone Bad' is inspired by rock 'n' roll," she said. "It's all about the emotions involved with that music and the colors that go with it. This is about the pinks, blacks, teals and all the other colors you normally don't see together. I tried to put those colors into one collection and show it from a woman's standpoint."

The last two designers practically kept the audience on its feet cheering until the end.

Amanda Perna, a senior majoring in apparel design, said her collection, "Frou-Frou," was heavily influenced by the styles of the 1700s. As the music of Ramstein pounded, her brightly colored collection took center stage.

"My collection was inspired by the neo-classical period, but with a funky flair," Perna said.

But the night wasn't over until Anthony Williams showed his collection, "Aurora Borealis."

The collection stayed true to its name with a variety of earth tones and soft colors. The collection ended with a sequin adorned wedding dress. Williams said his designs did not need any explanation.

"Actions speak louder than words," Williams said.