Art of Contrast celebrates 13th annual fashion show

A model walks the runway during the Art of Contrast Fashion Show in the Student Center Ballroom on Friday Nov. 22, 2013. Photo by Maddi Rotunda.

A model walks the runway during the Art of Contrast Fashion Show in the Student Center Ballroom on Friday Nov. 22, 2013. Photo by Maddi Rotunda.

Samantha Tuly

Students, parents and patrons filled the Student Center Ballroom on Friday to watch the creative works of student designers come down the runway.

Each fall, Fashion Student Organization members produce and model original designs for Art of Contrast. This year’s Art of Contrast theme was Designs of the Past, Visions of the Future.

The theme of this year’s show was inspired by the celebration of the organization’s 13th year of existence. Items representing the history of FSO and the decades before as well as those predicting the future of fashion were represented on the runway.

The fall show also played a large role in raising funds for the organization’s new scholarship.

“This is our 13th year so we really wanted to give back a little bit,” FSO president Kendall Walter said. “There are so many scholarships out there that are for high GPA or if you come from a certain kind of background or ethnicity and this one is just for (FSO) members.”

The scholarship is set to begin disbursement next semester. The FSO board is still determining the qualifications for eligibility.

Friday evenings show was competition-based and featured 10 student designers accompanied by 16 student models.

Styles inspired by everything from ancient Egypt to futuristic architecture strutted down the runway.

Awards were distributed to the show’s top models and designers.

Senior fashion design major Susy Mei took first place for her futuristic little black dress which was inspired by the “shape” she thinks the future will hold.

“I’m really inspired by architecture,” Mei said. “I usually choose a certain shape from a building I’m inspired by.”

Mei also entered two other designs into the “Designs of the Past” portion of the show.

Being involved with FSO and the fashion shows they present allows students like Mei an opportunity to get involved with their passion.

“There are a lot of students that are looking for ways to show off their work,” FSO public relations officer Sarah Knapp said. “(the show) gives them something to be inspired by and a chance to showcase their talent.”

Contact Samantha Tuly at [email protected].