Student-run fashion show ‘enchants’ audience

If you strive to live the life of the glitzy and glamorous, the Apparel Merchandising and Design Association (AMDA) fashion show last Thursday night was the place to be.
Though the Brown Ballroom has been used for various events, it was truly transformed into a glamourous venue for “Enchanted: From Dawn to Dusk.”
Guests were treated to a sophisticated night of mocktails, appetizers and, of course, the most innovative fashion created by talented Illinois State University students.
The misty up-lighting and wooden trees on the runway created an “out-of-Normal” experience. The mystical music accented with chirping birds and a haunting voice-over set the tone for a night of enchantment. The room full of fashionably dressed folks added to the glamour as well, creating a scene from an elegant city setting.

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If the atmosphere and décor did not already impress, the collections modeled on the runway were breathtaking. The models showed poise and confidence, flaunting the designs on the runway. That being said, the designs were fabulous enough on their own.
To think that each look was designed and made by an ISU student is truly amazing. Designs ranged from bold prints on structured dresses to subtle neutrals on jumpsuits to all-black lingerie-inspired looks. The student designers are quite talented and deserve credit for the artwork they have created.
Cassandra Zimmer, junior public relations and apparel merchandising major, was delighted by the show and all the designs featured.
“I really loved the show this year. It seems like it gets better and better every year,” Zimmer said.
“Two years ago I was a model and then last year I helped backstage, so it’s nice to be able to see all the collections firsthand.”
As for the collections, she had a hard time picking out her favorite.
“I really loved the show this year. It seems like it gets better and better every year.”
Cassandra Zimmer
Junior public relations and apparel merchandising major
“I would have to say that Megan Dowling’s collection was my favorite. All her prints, they’re so beautiful and had a lot of Vera Bradley inspiration,” Zimmer said.
While awards were given away to only the top three designers, they were all excellent and deserving of recognition. The winners were senior Megan Dowling with her collection “Whimsical Sun” for first place, senior Anitra Carson with her collection “Minimal” for second place and senior Taylor Bingham for third with her collection “Nyctophilia.”
Dowling, a senior majoring in apparel design, was ecstatic to receive the highest award.
“After designing for the show for the past three years, it felt really great to win and have all my hard work pay off. It was a great way to finish my senior yer in the design progam,” Dowling said.
Although only the winners left the stage with awards, all of the designers ended the show with a sense of pride and relief. Sophomore designer Evie Hansen was happy to finally show off her designs.
“I’m so relieved. When I saw them on the runway yesterday in dress rehearsal, I was like, ‘oh thank God it’s all done. Everything looks great,’” Hansen said.
While Hansen is pleased to be done constructing, she is already preparing for next year’s big show.
“I’m ready for next year and all the stress that comes with it,” Hansen said.
As for next year, we are all excited to see the theme and collections the designers come up with. Such talent deserves a night of prestige.
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