It was 6:30 p.m., and things were just a tad hectic. The food hadn't arrived yet, the dancers were still going over their routine and designers were still sewing up elaborate creations.
Chantel Cozart admitted she was nervous. Show time was in half an hour, the lighting still wasn't down pat and she had no idea how the crowd would react to the designs she spent days making.
"I can't tell you how many hours I put into it," the merchandising management senior said. "I would say at least 100 hours."
Erickson Kiva, usually reserved for economics classes and guest lectures, bustled with tension Friday night before the Minority Apparel Designers and Entrepreneurs second annual fashion show.
In the end, there was no need for Cozart to be nervous. The crowd of about 250 enjoyed her work but showed lots of favor toward one in particular - a white backless collared gown with a floor-length train and silver detail around the bodice.
"I love being able to use my creativity and making something stand out," Cozart said.
The theme of the night's show was "Four Seasons Created ? We MADE It." There were four themes of style - fall, winter, spring and summer - and performances by dance troupe Spartan Soul, rapper 3rd Deggree and members of the Black Poets Society.
"I felt like I was looking good," said interdisciplinary studies in human resources management senior Ryan Duffy, who modeled one of the most-applauded creations - a khaki suit with a reversible blazer that was turquoise on the inside. "The crowd really appreciated what we were doing."
Apparel and textile design junior Marisol Delao was nervous at first as well. But when the crowd responded well to one of her creations - a strapless blue jean dress with pink lace - it quelled her fears.
"When she walked out, I heard a lot of girls cheering," Delao said. "I think somebody out there liked it."
When she designs, Delao tries to keep two things in mind.
"Comfort - that's my number one importance," Delao said. "Number two is the overall aesthetic of it."
Apparel and textile design junior Donald Hill said Ralph Lauren is one of his inspirations - not just in design but in his life's goals. Because Lauren established the Polo brand in 1967, and it still stands today, Hill wants to aspire to that longevity with his clothing line, Bahallin'.
"I don't just want to be in the game five years and disappear. I want my kids' kids' kids wearing Bahallin'," he said.
Along with his plans of owning his own fashion house, Hill wants to help bring together different cultures and backgrounds by designing for a wide audience.
"It means everyone's included - no one's left out," he said. "It's for all ages, all faces, all sexes."
David James, a marketing senior, and one of the co-owners of Infinite Fashions, said working with MADE helps future designers and merchandisers prepare for the world ahead. In May, members of MADE will visit New York and sit down with designers from Donna Karan, Phat Farm, Rocawear and Sean John.
"We're trying to bring these resources to our campus," James said. "We are some multicultural designers. We have a voice, and we want to help our community."
