There isn't a height requirement to enter the Hannah Community Center, but one would think there is with all the people walking around wearing stiletto heels. It seemed like they were purposely elevating themselves.
Some pulled off the job flawlessly, and others tripped a little.
"Just practice," said Joshua Roznowski, who arguably had on the most daring of them all - a platform shoe with spiked heel that brought the Lansing resident up at least four inches.
"I can't just walk in flats," he said.
There was an abundance of high heels flying around the multipurpose room at the center, 819 Abbott Road. Garment bags, chandelier earrings, Coach purses, hangers, shoeboxes and fishnet stockings were everywhere, as well, as if a department store exploded in the room.
Sunday night was the dress rehearsal for the Student Apparel Design Association's annual fashion show. This year's theme is "The Fabulous Life of ..." Designers had to choose a subject and design outfits to reflect that particular style.
During "The Fabulous Life of Elle Woods," blonde models decked out in pink strolled down the makeshift runway. In "The Fabulous Life of Desperate Housewives," perfectly made-up women in pastel party dresses strolled to the beat of "I Enjoy Being a Girl."
Although the models look confident sashaying down the runway, it's anyone's guess how high tensions will rise during the actual show Saturday night at Wharton Center.
"The final show will have the potential to have that intensity," said Doug Finley, one of the judges. "It definitely has that same kind of vibe."
Finley is the owner of the hair salon Chroma, 615 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing. He is one of the panelists who will judge the show and present the winner Friday night.
Danielle Smith, an apparel and textile design senior who did "The Fabulous Life of a Hollywood Socialite," made sure to use the right fabrics - an important factor in judging.
"The type of fabric has to do with the fit that you want," Smith said.
Sarah Holmes, an apparel and textile design senior, did "The Fabulous Life of Carrie Bradshaw," based on a character from TV's "Sex and the City."
"She's so different," Holmes said. "I usually design conservatively, but I decided to push my own boundaries."
The Carrie look-alikes wore skirts, dresses and jackets typical of the character. But there also were plenty of out-of-the-ordinary designs.
Aaron Anderson, an apparel and textile design senior, did "The Fabulous Life of Alice in Wonderland meets Britney Spears."
"Britney has been the inspiration for a lot of things I do," Anderson said. "I wanted to do this lost girl in a mixed-up world."
One of his models, music performance sophomore Jimmy Curtis, walked in a vest closed with criss-crossed strings and cropped pinstripe pants. His face was covered in bright purple, green and yellow makeup.
"It's new, it's exciting," Curtis said. "It's really cool, neo-future and punkish."
As a nod to pop culture, apparel and textile design junior Lauren Walsh did "The Fabulous Life of Paris Hilton." Her models walked to a fitting song: "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani and Eve.
"I love Paris Hilton," Walsh said. "I'm a little bit celebrity obsessed - a lot celebrity obsessed."
Walsh said she always was into fashion, even as a young girl. But when she first started college, she was a journalism major.
"I don't think my parents wanted me to go into it," Walsh said. "But then I said, 'F it,' I love it, I want to do it."
Walsh said that after she graduates, she plans to move to New York and work in a fashion house with in-house advertising.
"I like designing, but that's not the first thing I would do," she said.
Danielle Brown, an apparel and textile design sophomore who designed "The Fabulous Life of Dolce & Gabbana," paid close attention while the judging panel went over the designs her models were wearing.
Brown said it took about 50 hours since winter break to sew all the outfits.
Next year, Brown is attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and will return to MSU the following year. Getting as much experience in the fashion industry early on is a must, and it will help upon graduation, Brown said.
"It's very competitive, and you start off with very low wages," Brown said. "It's basically who you know, networking and getting your name out there.
"Starting off now in college and working your way up is a good way to improve," Brown added.
Grand Rapids resident Gwendolyn Miller, one of the judges, is a sales and marketing specialist who produces fashion shows. Aspiring designers should be open to change, but not let it get them down, she said.
"Don't give up. Really research the career choice and be open for relocation," she said.
Joseph Rezene, an apparel and textile design junior who did "The Fabulous Life of Charlie Chaplin," hopes to make a difference with his designs.
"It's formal fashion that hasn't been done yet," Rezene said of his designs. He said he's noticed more people have stopped wearing throwback jerseys in favor of dress shirts, but he wanted to take it to the next level.
"I'm disappointed in those who lack creativity," Rezene said. "I'd encourage people to find creativity - both in the way they dress and the world around them."
Aimie Vredevoogd, an apparel and textile design senior and president of SADA, said the proceeds go toward the association's "Prom Project." Members will design and make dresses for Lansing-area foster children going to proms next year.
"It definitely takes a lot of work to put this together. We've been working since last year," said Vredevoogd, who designed "The Fabulous Life of Mom."
"There's definitely a lot of stress and adrenaline," she said. "But that's why we do it."
Smith, however, is not worried.
"It's all going to work out," she said. "All you can do is be prepared and wait."
