Through outfits featuring cutlery, angel wings, newspapers and even a severed head used as a prop, models on the runway brought a vibrant energy to a somewhat impromptu show this Saturday night.
Hosted by the Carolina Artists Coalition, the Fantasy Fashion Speakeasy spotlighted UNC student-models as they gave a private fashion show.
Getting the show off the ground for Saturday came with plenty of challenges, as the group was forced to find a new venue just days before they were set to perform at the Student Union Auditorium. They decided on the Anne Queen Faculty Commons lounge in the Campus Y Building.
The lounge, while not as large of a setting, provided a more cozy, relaxed atmosphere for the show that could help serve as preparation for bigger ones in the future, Rin Singh, a UNC sophomore and co-coordinator of the show, said.
“I think Campus Y creates a more intimate sort of environment,” he said. “Also, this may be some of our models' first time walking, first time modeling in such an environment, and I think this is a good preview for where things can go for a larger event next semester.”
Despite the last minute-changes, support was strong. The venue ended up packed with friends of the performers; they filled up nearly all the seats surrounding the makeshift runway.
Models walked both solo and in duos across the runway, often stopping at the edge of the catwalk to show off each other's outfits. The show featured group-specific themed music during their walks — for example, when the group dressed as vampires walked out, spooky music played — as well as some improvised dance portions.
Selecting fantasy as the theme was a no-brainer during the creative brainstorming process, as it allowed for each group to have specific costumes while still building a cohesive show, UNC sophomore history major and co-coordinator Rafa Linhares said.
“As soon as I heard [‘fantasy’], I was like all right let's do it,” he said. “Because it's a broad term, people can still choose their own niches within it.”
