Bellbottoms, skinny jeans, flower print, and patent leather classic styles invade Florida A&M University.
Couture Urbane and the Office of Student Activities Department of Resident Life presented a Black History Month Fashion Show in the Grand Ball room on Friday February 27, to benefit the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
The show featured clothes inspired by fashion from the 1960s to the present.
“We wanted to represent black history, and the black influence on fashion through the decades,” said Jim Smith, vice president of Couture Urbane.
Couture Urbane is an organization that specializes in fashion events to benefit the university and community.
They serve as a medium for models, designers, and the public to come together in celebration of fashion.
Megan Dack is the design coordinator for Couture Urbane.
She said they aim to bring fashion to the capital city, despite the fact that Tallahassee often gets passed over because it is a “college town.”
She thinks Couture Urbane can lead Tallahassee into a new era of fashion.
“We want to show that we are ready, we can attract designers from New York and California, and we can compete with Miami and Atlanta,” Dack said.
Student designer Audrey Paine showcased some of her pieces with other vintage and contemporary clothing.
Feature designer Vanessa McNaughton presented original pieces from her M.M.V. “Double Envy” line. Clothing contributors included JC Penny, South Pole, and Igigi of California.
Couture Urbane models were all students from FAMU and Florida State University.
Each student managed to keep the crowd engaged throughout their respective scenes.
Thanks to the set up, the models were able to work the room effectively, putting their own flare to the oldie styles.
Scenes were complimented by music from all eras, from The Temptations to T-Pain.
Musical performances included Lorinnne Smith, Shauntice Swain, Percy Hicks, and Casa’Nova.
“I thought the music and pieces were well put together,” said Nerlande Joseph, 20, a sophomore English student from Miami.
Saundra Inge, the director of student affairs said she was proud of the event.
She played an intricate role in overseeing proper procedures for planning the show.
“I think it gives the students some exposure and allows them to test the waters as leaders,” Inge said.
In the past, Couture Urbane donated contributions to charities like the Refuge House, a battered woman’s center.
Coutoure Urbane chose St. Jude’s Hospital this time around because of its excellence in working with children.
“We definitely wanted to reach out, and perform some sort of service, and this time it‘s great because it‘s for children,” Dack said.
Couture Urbane hopes to host more fashion events at FAMU and all over Tallahassee in the near future.