Black Women's Network model latest styles at fashion show

Black Women’s Network welcomed students to Hollywood last week in the with their annual fashion show in the Ballroom.

“It’s something that everybody looks forward to, especially since it’s free,” said Jessica Anukam, junior biology and pre-medicine major and president of BWN. “We try to bring free fun to campus.”

The show entitled “Welcome to Hollywood” had several venues called Grown ‘N’ Sexy, Opposites Attract, Spring Bling, GQ, Hood and Freakum Dress. Students enjoyed the variety of the venues and look forward to next year’s show.

“My favorite part would have to be the Opposites Attract [venue],” said Marquis Scott, freshman music education major. “It was really fun and I really liked how it was coordinated with the girls and guys alternating.”

Dance performances by E-Unit were scattered throughout the show. E-unit members enjoyed the opportunity to perform.

“I like fashion,” said He Guannan, sophomore physical education major and member of E-unit. “This is our first dance where we can dress in dresses and heels. It’s special for us.”

There were female and male models for the show. Models were asked by BWN to help out by practicing and then walking the runway. Models also supplied their own clothing for the show.

“The purpose for the Fashion Show is to let people know that they can still look fashionable without having to purchase high fashion clothing,” Anukam said. “Just make sure they’re matching what they have already.”

Models practiced two to three times per week for the last month. For some of the models, the practices were the best part about being involved.

“They were pretty fun,” said Shaquora Maples, freshman nursing major and model for the Fashion Show. “You spend a lot of time with your friends and get together.”

At the end of the show, gift certificates were given to a few of the models who were the most dependable and punctual at practices.

“Every year, we try to give our models who acted great throughout the whole process prizes,” Anukam said. “This year, we gave them something that will be helpful for college students-- $25 gift certificates to the bookstore downstairs.”

According to Anukam, BWN has been a recognized student organization since 1993 and has been hosting the fashion show for the last five years. The Memorial Union Ballroom contained a T-shaped runway and music was provided during the show. The turnout for the event was higher than expected by organizers. Approximately 130 people attended.

“We had 108 chairs and people were still standing,” Anukam said. “We had 100 programs and all of the programs were gone.”

Models were Jalessa Cooper, Candice Grady, Kelli Hearn, Ali Longstreet, Shabre Maples, Shaquora Maples, Shandy Marquez, Cierra Sauls, Shyra Slappy, Sidney Birdsong, Tim Chandler, Ali Milan, Nash Mwangi and Otis Scott.

An after party hosted by E-unit was held later that evening.