This year’s fall fashion extravaganza has begun.
FAMU’s modeling troupes have been diligently preparing for their fashion exhibitions, while contributing to the Tallahassee community.
On Nov 10. Images Modeling Troupe held their fall premiere, “Alter Image”, in Lee Hall Auditorium.
They presented an array of casual, sophisticated and provocative attire for males and females.
The models’ slow pivotal turns, synchronized calculated steps, jacket exchanges and animated expressions accentuated their apparel in each scene.
“Our models alter the definition of fashion,” said IMT president Monica Settles, 22, a senior English student from Maryland.
The concept of Alter Image was developed to showcase high fashion with a different approach.
IMAGES has based its modeling style around Parisian and New York runway techniques.
Since 1996, black has been the organization’s official color. “Black signifies unity and professionalism,” Settles said.
This was IMT’s 15th fall fashion show. They were founded on FSU’s campus with twelve individuals in 1985. In 1991 they expanded to include FAMU and TCC students. They are now 50 members strong and planning to establish chapters at other universities outside of Florida.
In 1999, they helped establish REFLECTIONS, a modeling troupe at Godby High School.
IMT’s other projects include the debut of their monthly newsletter “Off the Runway” coming soon after the new year.
“We want to showcase other organizations and events to keep FAMU students informed,” said Settles.
IMAGES is among other FAMU organizations that are showcasing their modeling and fashion talent this fall.
FACES Modeling Troupe, Inc. and Epicurean Fashion Experience will also host their fashion shows this weekend.
FACES will present “WFMT Live” Friday, Nov. 15th at 7 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.
“It’s a broadcast of fashion,” said president, Terrance Knighton.
“The audience can expect a different kind of fashion along with dancing and our traditional innovative modeling techniques.”
FACES’ fashion coordinators designed the majority of the clothes that will be modeled.
“We allow our models to bring their own style and flare to the organization,” said Knighton. “They aren’t your typical runway models.”
FACES models are unique because they represent a number of fashions for all shapes and sizes.
FACES is family oriented and has a close network with all of its members, including the directors, trainers and fashion coordinators.
Their members’ consistent dedication and perseverance earned the group’s incorporation this past summer.
When they aren’t practicing, they’re working out together in an exercise program they’ve titled “About FACE.”
They also promote fitness and health awareness and are in the process of organizing several health seminars for FAMU’s campus.
Epicurean Fashion Experience is also trying to reach new heights.
“We’re more than a modeling troupe. It’s not just an extra curricular activity. We encourage professionalism,” said Glenda Oakley, Epicurean female director.
Several Epicurean models have been featured in The Source and a few others are starting their own businesses.
Epicurean has also been involved in numerous community service projects throughout Tallahassee.
Epicurean has two chapters: one at FAMU, founded in 1978, and the other at Bethune Cookman College, founded in 1992.
They are in the process of creating another chapter at the University of Florida and aim to branch out to other universities as well.
Each semester Epicurean presents its fall and spring fashions to the public. On Nov. 17th they will present “Dawn of the Experience.” The showcase will take place at the Civic Center starting at 7 p.m. for V.I.P. and 8 p.m. for the general public.
The directors, Oakley and Granerson Johnson, said this semester’s theme is a transition from last semester’s theme (EFE 1101: The Learning Experience). “We’re teaching a different course,” said Oakley.
While Oakley and Johnson are adamant about not offering too many details of the show, they said the audience can expect the usual technique of combining dramatic presentations and choreographed dancing.
“As African Americans we tend to maintain a certain style.”
“We’re trying to branch out,” said Johnson, 22, a senior graphic communication student from Quincy. He described it as an “awakening of new fashion.”
Just when you thought creativity and fashion could not expand any further, FAMU births another full-service fashion and modeling organization.
Look for upcoming events and shows hosted by Allure Style Makers, an organization and company, founded in October 2001.