Last Friday, UW-Madison’s student-run fashion publication, Moda Magazine, put on a fashion show featuring local retailers and student designers. The fashion show partnered with the Textiles & Fashion Design program of the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology. It was also the finale event of UW Fashion Week, which included two other events put on by Moda, Cocktails and Couture and Swap N’ Shop. All three events gave students the chance to mingle with friends, meet designers and wear cocktail dresses that’ve been sitting in closets for years.
Without prior knowledge that it was put on by students, the fashion show could have seemed professionally done. The lighting was dimmed, a curtained stage was set up and there was even a designated spot to take photographs with friends. At promptly 8 o’clock, a diverse bunch of models dressed head-to-toe in stunning designs strutted down the catwalk to perfectly-timed music. The first few groups of models showcased clothes from some of Madison’s local retailers, such as Don’t Ask Why and Tailgate.
After the audience got a taste of the local style, models sporting the student designs began to walk the stage. Each student designer had a group of five to ten models, and it was clear that all sizes, shapes and styles were represented in the show. From ‘plus-size’ models to male models, the show gave a realistic outlook to the audience. Additionally, it was evident that the models were having fun. From smiles to hugs, each section of models had a defining characteristic that emphasized their individuality.
Each student designer clearly put months of effort into the outfits. Every piece was beautiful and unique, and each designer had a few signature traits that were echoed throughout their collection, such as wildly volumized hair or sheer cutouts. There was a lingerie-esque line and beautiful gowns, clothes for the everyday and unique, avant garde pieces. Every possible style was covered, and every piece was tailored to perfection.
The show also had considerable help from students of Madison’s Paul Mitchell The School. The makeup artists and hair stylists-in-training helped create the stunning makeup and hair looks that the models sported, such as perfectly crimped hair, braided buns and vampy lips. Every look matched exquisitely with the student designs and served as the finishing touch for each collection.
It was incredible seeing the talent and creativity that UW-Madison students hold. From the organizers of the event to the beautiful models that graced the catwalk to the student designers that poured their hearts into their collections, the UW Fashion Show provided entertainment for fashion-lovers. It will be a treat to see what Moda Magazine brings to UWFW next year.
