Below is the piece I wrote on it for my class and some photos of the fun event:
The lights dimmed in the crowded Grand Ballroom at the Reitz Union Monday as the two masters of ceremonies set the tone for the evening by dancing down the runway to “I’m Too Sexy.”
The event, Project Hyphen: Asians in Fashion, was a lighthearted and entertaining showcase of three Asian-American designers. One designer, Jay Nicolas Sario, was a contestant on season seven of “Project Runway.”
The fashion show, which was free to the public, was co-sponsored by Gainesville Fashion Week and The Retail Society. It was part of Asian Kaleidoscopic Month, a month long celebration of the histories and culture of Asians and Asian-Americans.
“It’s a good way to show the Asian community in a different light,” said Cecelia Truong, 20, the event director for Asian Kaleidoscopic Month.
“We’re multifaceted and diverse and have our own standing in the fashion world.”
Kim Phan’s collection was the first to go down the runway.
Phan got her start in fashion by making clothes for her Barbies, and now she has her own line called Yumi Kim and a store in New York City.
Her collection consisted mostly of dresses, and the crowd cheered over the loud pop and techno music as each model stepped out on the runway.
Crystal Fong, who is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, showed her collection next.
After all her clothes had been sent down the runway, the masters of ceremony hosted a question-and-answer session where the crowd could join.
Fong said she got started in design when she was in fifth grade and decided to start embroidering.
Although the girls who walked down the runway in her clothes were by no means short, Fong said she wants to start designing petite-friendly clothes.
She said a lot of the clothes in the petite section look like they are made for older women, and she wants to help change that. The crowd burst into applause at her statement.
During a 10-minute intermission, the crowd separated into large groups and talked loudly over the music. Afterward, Jay Nicolas Sario showed his collection.
He described his collection as samurai with a military twist.
“It’s very Asian, which is something I always gravitate to,” he said. “I just love Asian culture.”
During his question-and-answer session, Sario talked about how he admires fashion designers like Alexander Wang and Valentino, and he gave advice about breaking into and staying afloat in the fashion industry.
“Follow what your instinct tells you,” he said.
“Have a strong point of view and be consistent.”
Kristine Straker, the event director for Project Hyphen, was glowing after the show.
The 19-year-old marketing major said she remembers getting into fashion in middle school when she first started reading Teen Vogue.
She said she had always been really passionate about fashion, and she tries to incorporate it into her life every day. When she got the opportunity to plan an event, she picked a fashion show.
“I think it’s important to show that Asians are doing big things in fashion,” she said.
Straker also said she hoped the show helped people gain a better insight into the fashion industry.
“A lot of work goes into a show,” she said. “It’s not just glamour.”
Sarah Mayhugh, an economics major who blogs in her free time, explained how important it is to showcase minorities in the fashion world.
“The fashion industry is so diverse,” she said.
“There are so many kinds of people that if you don’t highlight minorities, you’ll miss out on all the great things they do.”
Mayhugh, who is also on the marketing committee for The Retail Society, a club that has guest speakers come talk about all aspects of the retail industry, said she was never interested in fashion when she was younger.
However, leaning against a wall in a line of people waiting to meet with Jay Nicolas Sario after the show, the 19-year-old blogger who posts street style and editorial pictures has come a long way from the girl who was not interested in fashion.
She said she likes being able to convey her personality through clothing.
“I’m a complicated person, and fashion is one neutral thing in my life.”
Earlier in the night, Sario told the audience how difficult it was to be on “Project Runway,” reminding people that there is a lot more to fashion than flashing cameras, loud music and high heels.
“It’s hell,” he said. “You have to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally.”
“I’m glad I’m a strong, little bitch.”
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