The Association of African American Students will hold their annual fashion show tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Russell House Ballroom.
The theme of tonight's show is "Ready to wear, with a twist," featuring items that are different yet still affordable. The idea behind this show is to make a collection people usually wouldn't put together and make it work.
"Why buy a knockoff when you can make your own thing?" said second-year marketing student Dezmon Gilmore, one of the program's organizers. With eclectic pieces donated by Target, gathered at Goodwill or made by student designers, tonight's show is all about making your own style. Besides the uniqueness of the clothing modeled tonight, show goers can also expect much diversity.
"This fashion show is New York, Japan, Paris and St. Croix, so it shows many different cultures on one stage," said Gilmore.
Brad Boultinghouse, a second-year fashion merchandising student, encourages students to come to the show tonight because it will showcase "not only previously known designers but up-and-coming designers as well so that students can get noticed."
Boultinghouse is one of these designers. He has created his own line titled Aholic that will be highlighted in the show. Brad's pieces include a plaid dress and skinny jeans. Brad also makes wedding dresses and will launch a lingerie line to accompany Aholic in the spring.
Boultinghouse said his inspiration comes from "subcultural art and music that hasn't been in the spotlight" and that his line "tests the limit between upscale and casual fashion." Boultinghouse's line has also been featured in a live show in downtown Greenville.
He summed up his collection by saying, "The awkward becomes the eccentric and the eccentric becomes the Aholic."
The AAAS has been putting on this fashion show for over 15 years. Proceeds of the show will go toward operations of the organization. These include the AAAS's philanthropy, leadership retreats and "Voices of Color." The group's charity is the Oliver Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter. "Voices of Color" has previously been the association's twice-a-semester newsletter, but this year it is being converted into a literary magazine. "Voices of Color" will contain art, poetry and songs created by students.
Randy Gaines, president of the AAAS and a fourth-year sport and entertainment management student, said that this show is not only an opportunity for students to see the latest trends in fashion, but also an "opportunity for students within the college to see their colleagues and classmates at work and support them."
Gaines said the AAAS has a family atmosphere and asks students to "come out and support our brothers and sisters."
Tickets to the event are $7 and may be purchased upon arrival. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
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