Kent Student Center Programming will host its 11th annual Rock the Runway design competition in the Student Center Ballroom on March 7 at 8 p.m.

 Rock the Runway is a fashion contest inspired by a different musical theme each year. “Boy Bands and Girl Groups” will be this year’s theme, said Rebecca Kapler, assistant director in the Center for Student Involvement.

 “It’s a great way to get students involved,” Kapler said. “The show is run by a lot of students, who help with the design elements, marketing material and videography. It’s also a great opportunity for fashion design students as well.”

 The combination of a fashion show, design competition, video production and live music not only gives the opportunity for student involvement, but also creates a unique show for attendants.

 Seventeen design teams signed up to compete in Rock the Runway 2015. The design teams chose to participate alone or with a partner, Kapler said.

 Decadia, the live band, will play a variety of songs ranging from the 1990s to present day music, Kapler said. Decadia’s theme-inspired music selections will be played while models “rock the runway” and display their designer’s line. This marks the New York City band’s reappearance after performing in last year’s show, Kapler said.

 Student dance groups Golden Reflections and Fluidity will also perform during the event, Kapler said.

 Rock the Runway’s new addition involves social media. A live Twitter feed will activate before Rock the Runway begins, allowing guests to tweet about their favorite outfits or what they enjoy about the show.

 The design teams created three outfits for a cohesive collection they will present and model on stage to the judges.

Mark Calderon, founding member of boy band Color Me Badd; Lisa Smedley-Calderon, fashion stylist; Jason Brewer, buyer for Justice clothing; and Anne Siegel, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Fundraising Manager will judge the event.

 The four judges will look for line cohesiveness, craftsmanship, overall design, large amounts of effort and incorporation of the “Boy Bands and Girl Groups” theme, Kapler said.

The victor will win a $2,500 scholarship.

Contact Kelsey Drumm at [email protected].