The Student Fashion Alliance recently kicked off the new year with The Essence of Elements fashion show on Jan. 17.
The event, held on a Friday night, marked the success of many months of planning.
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The show featured four categories of fashion: fire, water, earth and air. The event began with the fire category, which included three subcategories: athletic clothing, bulldog spirit, and streetwear.
Models showcased their best in the fire category, each marked with special touches. Many wore the beloved Ferris colors of Crimson and Gold, particularly in the Bulldog Spirit category. Black was another color frequently displayed throughout the night.
Streetwear was cited as the favorite of the night by both the models and the crowd.
Secondary education senior KaMari Hicks was one of the models walking the runway. She was excited to be able to share her sense of style with those in attendance.
“My favorite outfit was for sure the streetwear. It was comfortable, but it also gave very much,” Hicks said. “It was kind of me because I’m more of a tomboy-ish type, but I still wanted to sparkle, as seen with my hoodie.”
The second category, water, featured three subcategories: duos, 90s, and drip or bling. Models walked the runway in pairs, each telling a story through their outfits. They continued individually, wearing the best of the ‘90s, and finished with a fantastic array of drip and bling.
In the third category, earth, two subcategories were presented: day & night and bohemian. Each model depicted earth through their lens, showcasing their interpretation of the element. The category concluded with several Bohemian outfits, highlighting the free-spirited essence of the element.
The night ended with the element of air, featuring a single subcategory: elegance. Models displayed the tastefulness and sophistication of elegance, offering the audience a striking depiction of what the element of air meant to each of them.
The evening was filled with spectacular displays of fashion that related to their respective elements. The event demonstrated what it means to be a part of the Student Fashion Alliance.
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Biology senior Jayla Reed is the alliance’s president, and she was delighted to be able to host a fun event while sharing more about the organization.
“The Student Fashion Alliance showcases students from Ferris, their clothing, and how they style their clothing in different categories,” Reed said. “This is for the students, by the students.”
The Student Fashion Alliance has certainly made an impression, as shown by the crowd. Many students and community members like Nikki Outley attended the event, and there was hardly a moment when the crowd wasn’t cheering. The atmosphere was positive and uplifting as the audience supported the models throughout the night.
“I liked all of the categories, but especially the creativity in the streetwear,” Outley said. “My favorite part of the outfits is that they get to put their crazy ingredients. The impact of the streetwear was undeniable.”
The event was anything but boring, and it was clear from the start that the event was one of encouragement and inclusivity. While streetwear was frequently discussed, what truly set the event apart was the creativity, passion, and inclusivity of the atmosphere. It was a space where everyone felt welcome, regardless of their knowledge of fashion.
“My favorite part is when the crowd cheers them on. Everybody loves that. Like, I really, really love that. It motivates them to keep going and think, ‘Oh my gosh, I can do this.’ So, that’s really cool,” Reed said.
The Student Fashion Alliance will begin weekly rehearsals shortly, as noted by Reed, yet location and time are still to be determined.
Bryann Hill was previously employed by the Ferris State Torch.