On Friday, April 1, Reitz Arena was transformed into a fashion runway fit for New York City or Paris. BSA Fashion Show Directors Ashia Cook, Comfort Nnana Kalu and Jeanine Gill brought the glitz and glamour of Fashion Week to Baltimore for one night, and one night only, after preparing for the show since September. Seemingly ordinary Loyola students endured a six-month long training process in order to learn and master what it truly takes to be a model for this highly anticipated event. Entitled “Temptation,” this year’s BSA Fashion Show dabbled with the notions of passion, fantasies and paradise. Divided into four scenes introduced by hosts David Abraham and Tamara Benbow from Towson University, this mesmerizing show expertly intertwined elements of culture, fashion and art to form a truly unforgettable night.
Like any great fashion show, there is a significant amount of work that goes on behind the scene before the models hit the stage. Scene leaders had to submit applications with their credentials in the fashion industry to the directors and heard back by October on whether or not they made the cut. Models tried out around the same time, with about 60 Loyola students being tapped to strut in show. The scene leaders then picked the 15 models that they believed would best embody their vision and worked hands-on with their group. Models and scene leaders practiced twice a week, attended various dress rehearsals, picked out their outfits, and worked on the music and choreography together.
All of the preparation and hard work came together on Friday night when the show opened with clothes from Doubledutch Boutique, Vu Skateboard Shop, Milk , Ice Vintage, and Men’s Warehouse in the scene “Passion in Paradox,” which blended some of today’s latest trends with retro fashion from decades past. Models strutted up and down the runway with confidence and poise in everything from everyday chic clothing, like high-waisted pants and kimonos, to more formal attire, such as flowing gowns and pantsuits. Bold, simple patterns battled for the audience’s attention while daring black gowns also made the journey down the runway. Directors Dwayne and Tony Atkins even incorporated Japanese fans to add spice and culture to their routine.
Patterns and colors were explored even more deeply in “Fantasy,” directed by Antoinette Mathison, Kirsten Nicholas, and Jasmin Curtiss, with clothes from Ancient Juvenile and Party Dress. The tropical vibe given off by the bright and light clothing was deeply contrasted by the dark lipstick worn by the female models, emphasizing the clashing components that one’s fantasy can be made of. A dream-like, white, flowing gown grabbed the audience’s attention as the outfit and choreography perfectly displayed the mysticism and ethereal elements behind our wildest dreams. Stunning evening apparel such as the mauve dress with ruffles and the cobalt blue V-neck gown were partnered with classic suspenders, jackets, and ties worn by two male models.
A call for intermission did not cease the flow of excitement, as the Loyola Dance Company performed a seductive, modern ballet number. Following the dance, SGA announced that The All American Rejects will be headlining this year’s Loyolapalooza, which will be held on Sunday, April 24.
The show resumed with “Dark Sky Paradise,” directed by Patrick Barthelemy, Terence Jones and Zebradedra Hunter, and sponsored by PacSun and Katwalk. It captured the sexual tension surrounding temptation, as models tangoed fiercely down the runway, with the choreography and spot-on music choices beckoning lovers to come together. When asked how she channeled confidence and poise during her moments in the limelight, first year student Jordan Zolliecoffer shared, “They told us to channel whatever makes us feel like we can take over the world.”
The final scene, “Nocturnal,” directed by Crystal Williams and Alexa Santiago, and sponsored by Ancient Juvenile and Cloud 9, left the audience wanting more, as the models attacked the runway with a sort of fierceness and hunger, like animals stalking their prey. Like creatures of the night, this routine was filled with sharp turns, daring lifts, and precision with every step. At one point, several of the models came out in mysterious black masks which added to the drama and intensity of the scene. Co-leader Crystal Williams explained the vision for this scene, “Nocturnal came from the Disclosure song of the Caracal album. Chris, Alexa, and I are obsessed with Disclose, hence the opening song was Magnets ft. Lorde. Our scene was sexy and dark but also very empowering. Nocturnal animals don’t fear darkness and neither did we.”
The dazzling night came to an end with a closing wedding scene, where the temptations of lust and desire were finally tamed by costumes of stunning white wedding gowns and sleek black tuxedos. When asked what she believes to to be the overarching message the BSA hopes to achieve in hosting an annual fashion show, Williams put it simply: “Be confidant in yourself and do it with grace and attitude.” After embarking on a colorful, eight-month journey full of hard work and discipline, the 18th annual BSA Fashion Show bid farewell to the crowd, returning Loyola to the simple order of everyday life and leaving the crowd with a night they won’t soon forget.
Photos/Dovydas Sungaila
