Friday February 16th was the second annual fashion show for FIB (Fashion In Business) and it did not disappoint. In coordination with UPC (Union Programming Council) they were able to provide a space for ten designers to showcase their work. The main goal of this event was to approach topics of sustainability, design, journalism, fashion, and business; I would say it achieved just that. It was an enjoyable space for creative students, designers, models, and viewers in likeness, to come together, share their talents, and have fun. Model, Emily Williamson, was excited to be a part of this and said “seeing all the vendors here, it’s come together so nice…seeing everyone’s work come together has been majestic.” As a viewer myself, I was enthralled by all the images and works that were created tonight.

The First Act

Hook Chute (Brennah Strange) was up first and a great start to a stunning show. With an outdoor approach to their clothing brand, Brennah makes a sustainable, fashionable, and wearable approach to her designs. I noticed this theme a lot in the showcasing of these outfits, everything the models were wearing flowed well into what they were made for. I’m sure if you were wearing these out for a hike or pumping iron in the gym, everyone would be eyeing your fashionable style. Next, we saw the works of Lovely (Owen and Benton). These two work together to create designs that are influenced from cross sections of opposing fashions like early 90’s grunge and the new-age of Gen-Z. These looks are also inspired by music and graphics of these differing timelines. Ben explains that their “favorite thing about design is the freedom of it.” In regard to this, Owen remarks saying that designing allows them to “bring a part of me into the world.” Watching the models showcase their work, I would have to say they let their freedom flow. There were so many interesting images on stage including chainmail, vibrant colors, layering, and pops of colorful cartoons. Each of these designs really caught my eye and I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to borrow anything that was worn tonight. Our next designer, Ande, creates clothing in initiative to make people feel good about who they are. These looks really captured the joy that comes from femininity. From the patterns, shapes, layers, and bright colors, every look had its own special moment to serve and all the models ate it up. Talking with one of the models from tonight she said that, “We all feel happy and we’re all so happy with what she put us in tonight.” NV (Andy Nieto-Venegas) blew me away with their designs. Andy’s approach to these designs was to create genderless clothing inspired by Japanese culture with subtle additives of music and video games he enjoys. I loved every piece showcased on stage and specifically enjoyed the draping patterns that were used. I think it brought such a fun new way to layer clothing and allowed for so much personality to show through in the models. Following this performance, I had the chance to speak to a few of these models, one being Tyler Van-Oostendorp and they explained, “I’m figuring out what my own fashion is and being able to be a part of this is a cool opportunity to explore that.” Garden Kid pulled us in for a minimal, bright clothing brand. This team of designers uses light, natural colors in their streetwear that are sustainable and push boundaries of the high fashion industry. The use of their brand tag was well done and the artistry of the design was easily memorable. With inspiration from nature, Wavy Baby’s (January Meyers) clothing brand seeks out a woman-empowered and sustainable approach. I loved every look, the bows, the colors, and the design overall is so representable of femininity and so coquette. 

The Second Act

Geneva’s (Angel) designs had me holding my breath. This clothing brand aims for sustainability in its reworked streetwear look. In explaining his process, Angel described “when you connect the dots from idea to reality…whatever emotion you get from that process is like a high.” This was so inspiring and all of the looks had so much personality and creativity to them. The design was so futuristic with past inspiration of the 90’s and early 2000’s styles; they all looked like something straight out of a videogame. Fun, funky, and fresh styles were designed by our next artist: Archive (textile museum). They make use of material that wouldn’t normally be made into clothing by manipulating short curtains, table cloths, and fabric or clothing items found on the side of the road. This designer really takes repurposing to the next level with these designs; the layers and usage of fabric is phenomenal. “Even if it's ugly, you’re just like, I made it.” This really stood out to me and is an inspiration for all artists dying to create; as an artist herself, she ran with it. Friend and model of Archive’s designs, Addison Hiles said, “It takes a crazy person to make crazy things.” Designer, Nickstitch (Nick Lloyd), designs with intention of his clothing to fit well and people love to wear it. In these pieces, he experiments with patterns and how fabric folds which played off so well in a lot of these looks. I loved the usage of mixing wild patterns and neutral coloring. The finale left off with a bang as Earthcursedisco’s (Caitlyn Draper) clothing made the stage. This designer takes a lot of inspiration from space-age era and retro futurism and creates their own patterns and shaping from there. With an approach of expression and how fashion can impact the environment, there were a lot of new and interesting looks that you wouldn’t even think of. This brand is very whimsical and bold with the bright colors and fantastical designs, I was awestruck throughout.

Be there for the next fashion show, and follow the designers on Instagram!

@hook.chute

@lovelylovesme

@acdg_13

@andy.nieto

@gardenkidlabel

@wavybaby.jr

@geneva.I.O

@beth.a.chris

@nickstitch_

@earthcursedisco