To some, clothes just keep them from being naked.
But for me, clothes can make or break you, as fashion is my passion. That's why at the Student Apparel Design Association, or SADA's, annual fashion show "Rock 'N Vogue," I felt like a heroin addict on a three-hour binge.
On Friday, 37 student collections stomped Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre to the beat of music that inspired the designs. Big hair, puffy sleeves and the color eggplant popularized the runway in front of a sold-out crowd.
To say these women and men know their stuff is an understatement. While the show had its misses, its hits were vibrant, bold and wearable. The most realistic designs belonged to apparel and textile design junior Tony Gianacakos, who created a collection similar to Lacoste on a lunch date with Diane von Furstenberg. Teals, canary yellows and male models identical to Ken dolls sparkled on his runway to "Endless Summer" by Cascada. These were the kinds of clothes you wanted to walk Venice's Lido Beach, complete with your own Italian man toy in matching duds.
Apparel and textile design juniors Asia Neal and Ericka Tyson's designs teetered on shocking. Their audacious models were clad in Willy Wonka pinks and yellows, with an underlying theme of buttons. Costumed in puffy short shorts and button-covered pumps, model Camilla Nelson had so much attitude and spunk, she was comparable to a short-haired Naomi Campbell.
But then, of course, there were some designers who seem to have missed the ship. Apparel and textile design senior Emily Battista's child-like designs had potential, until your eye drifted to the floor, revealing cheap rag-tied flip-flops (yes, the ones you made in middle school). Shirley Temple's "On the Good Ship Lollipop" played quietly in the background, a song that made its premiere in the fashion world as a runway track. Battista hopes to obtain an advanced costuming internship at Walt Disney World, a place where her designs most certainly would fit in.
Of course, there also are collections that are seemingly perfect — until one piece crashes onto the stage. This was the case with apparel and textile design junior Amanda Briglio. Her navy, flared mini-peacoat complemented by monstrous red buttons stole my heart, until the next model paraded out in a tinfoil-esque ruched minidress. Insert losing on "The Price is Right" noise here.
"I need that right now," I said to my fashion companion as we watched apparel and textile design senior Ami Perrault's model strut the catwalk. The mustard-yellow Victorian demi-dress was the sort of piece you'd see on Lily Cole as she paraded down the Alexander McQueen runway. The models sported edgy makeup, similar to strips of black tape, from eye to eye. Lace, pinstripes and tulle made a splash on the runway. Perrault easily has the potential to someday replace Marchesa as a staple in celebrity dress.
Picture Charlize Theron's green Dior by John Galliano gown at the 78th Academy Awards, then throw in a spoonful of Zac Posen. Now you have Kelly Bohnet. The apparel and textile design senior's cranberry gown was breathtaking. Although she showcased only three designs, it's clear her gowns must have taken months to construct. This paid off, as she was awarded "Best Collection" from her fellow SADA members.
The ravish beauties and their designers took their final walk down the runway, waving to the crowd of more than 350 people. Simply put, they're going to have to get used to it. For these designers, it's only the beginning.
Thea Neal is a State News intern. You can reach her at nealthea@msu.edu.
