Megan Rowley, freshman fashion design major, was awarded best model at last night’s Rock the Runway in the Rathskeller. Rock the Runway was presented by KSC programming and hosted by Logan Sommers, junior visual journalism major. More than 300 people show

Credit: Andrew popik

A smoke-filled basement bar is not the typical location for a fashion show. But last night’s Rock the Runway show, which featured spiky mohawks, elegant strapless gowns, two women kissing and a drag queen, was anything but typical.

The event, sponsored by Kent Student Center programming and held in the Rathskeller, featured 11 collections of garments by undergraduate fashion design majors and one nursing major.

Themes for the show ranged from feathers and preppy girl at a ska concert to vintage flowers.

Logan Sommers, coordinator of the event and a designer at the Daily Kent Stater, said all fashion designers were allowed to come up with their own theme and style for the show.

Freshmen fashion design students Sarah Nusinow and Brittney Baumgardner said their theme, vintage chic and grunge, was inspired by trips to the thrift store.

“It’s old to new,” Nusinow said.

“Eighties rock and rock groupies with more glamour,” Baumgardner added.

They said their line, which featured jeans with rhinestones and glitter, allowed for their personality to come through.

“We’re kind of like Dolce and Gabbana,” Nusinow said. “She’s more crazy with designs, and I’m more simple and straight forward with sleek lines.

Other designers, such as freshman fashion design major Kayleigh Knight, used less conventional materials — white plastic garbage bags in Knight’s case — to create their designs.

“I saw the commercial for it and thought it had the coolest texture,” she said of her reason to incorporate trash bags into her design.

Knight’s designs also featured a fur vest with a turtle neck, feather scarves and a white feather skirt.

Any designers could apply to take part in the show, which was open to anyone, and designers picked their models.

Natasha Nordstrom, who asked to be referred to by her drag name, said she was honored when she was approached by designer Caroline Liebman to model for her. Nordstrom said she was more nervous to wear her red hand-crafted corset than she was about strutting down the runway.

“I wasn’t nervous because I perform at night clubs. I was more alarmed about the outfit,” she said. “I was literally putting it on right before I went out.”

The show, which featured appetizers and music by Tofu, played to a standing-room-only audience.

Sommers said the event exceeded his expectations but had its share of stressful moments: A model canceled 10 minutes prior to show time.

“I’m pretty much exhausted now,” he said. “ I need to recuperate.”

Lisa Malanij, freshman fashion designer who helped with hair and makeup backstage, agreed with Sommers.

“It was very hectic and rushed,” she said, “but in the end, it all came together, and everyone looks gorgeous.”

Contact College of Fine and Professional Arts reporter Emily Rasinski at [email protected].