by Jay Aguila
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne African American Student Alliance held its third annual fashion show last Friday at the Claremont Inn.
The theme for the show, “Generation to Generation,” reflected the theme of this year’s Black History Month.
And this theme was illustrated through some eye-popping traditional African attire, including the beautiful gowns of African queens.
A variety of contemporary multicultural styles also were featured.
Models donning elegant gowns evoked imperial images of African queens.
The show also featured modern formal wear as well as international and business styles.
The outfits, overall, were flashy and flamboyant.
This year’s show was the “most successful and entertaining overall,” said Keisha Bentley, the University of La Verne’s Cross Cultural Program Director.
This year, for the first time, AASA donated 50 percent of the proceeds from the fashion show to AIDS Walk L.A., in which the Association has participated for the past few years.
In addition to the eclectic display of clothing,the audience also was treated to a step show.
Step is a style of dance and form of expression in which one’s hands and feet make interesting and rhythmic sounds.
The performance by Umoja, a step team from Azusa Pacific University, was an exciting treat, particularly for those who had never seen such dancing.
Following the step performance was the swimsuit portion, which showcased chic and sexy styles.
But the most exciting part of the showcase was when the models chose their own outfits.
Their choices included artistically minded styles and hip-hop urban duds, among others from various cultures and for various occasions.
“This was one of my favorite sections because you could tell that the students wearing these clothes loved what they were wearing,” said Bentley.
Rabecaa Jallab provided the hairstyles for the evening.
Local vendor, All About Gear, located on Foothill, provided the outfits for the hip-hop section.
Jason Walker, Oaks Head Resident Assistant, hosted the event.
His outgoing personality and sharp wit was just right for the evening’s festivities.
“I had a great time as the host for the Fashion Show,” Walker said. “I appreciate the opportunity and it was a lot of fun.
“I enjoyed doing the show,” said Ebony Williams, the show’s coordinator. “My sorority sisters stepped up and helped out a lot with planning and volunteering.
“We didn’t have the turnout we expected,” Williams added.
But the less-than-packed house hardly phased participants.
This year’s fashion show was brought to us by AASA, the Office of Housing and Residential Life, and co-sponsoring it also was the Associated Student Federation.
Jay Aguila
