URI designers take their 'Inspiration' to catwalk

04/02/09 - The University of Rhode Island's Fashion Merchandising Society transformed the Memorial Union Ballroom last night into a catwalk while student designers displayed outfits they designed and sewed.

The theme of the night was "Inspiration," and the designs varied from more Avant-garde styles to other old-fashioned, retro ones. President of the society and producer of the fashion show Nancy Tong said the idea for "Inspiration" was a collective decision.

Without a uniform theme, designers were allowed creative freedom and that gave the show more variation and alternative takes on fashion.

"Because inspiration is so broad, they just kind of went off on their own thing," Tong said. "Some people had more bohemian things, more urban, definitely some couture. We had a gothic couture line which was sick. I was really happy with the varied amount of styles."

One collection called "Gothica," designed by freshman Rakia Hector, featured two unusual outfits: the first was a silver dress with a blue mesh top and an attached hood. The other piecein her collection featured a black cape-like addition.

Tong said there were about 20 designers and 22 collections, and each had a unique take on the theme.

"It just shows the diversity of all the students who go here," junior Brittney Hogan said. "My line was so preppy and old grandma-ish, and then we have bathing suits."

The lone bathing suit collection, called "Imsy," closed the show and was designed by senior Katherine Imswiler. She also designed another collection called "Ethnic Fusion."

Audience members cheered each collection during the fashion show and took pictures frequently.

Designer Kate Whitehouse's mother, Ann Curley, came to see her daughter's work. She said she thought the show was great.

"There's a lot of spirit here, that's for sure, and there's a lot of talent," Curley said.

Though the designers modeled their work, students from different majors helped out, too.

Junior Minori Keefe, a biomedical engineering major, modeled for designer Pingping Zheng. Keefe said she was nervous about modeling.

"Everyone was freaking out, but it seemed like it went really well," she said.

Tong said the URI community doesn't usually get a chance to see the work of TMD students and the event was an opportunity to showcase their dilligent work.

"They're not in Quinn [Hall] seeing the students labor all over those machines, and they work so hard," Tong said. "They work day and night. They sew till their fingers bleed."

Audience members cheered each collection during the fashion show, and took pictures frequently.

Designer Kate Whitehouse's mother, Ann Curley, came to see her daughter's work. She said she thought the show was great.

"There's a lot of spirit here. That's for sure and there's a lot of talent," Curley said.

Though the designers modeled their work, students from different majors helped out, too.

Junior Minori Keefe, a biomedical engineering major, modeled for designer Ping Ping Zheng. Keefe said she was nervous about modeling.

"Everyone was freaking out, but it seemed like it went really well," she said.

Tong said the URI community doesn't usually get a chance to see the work of TMD students and that the event was an opportunity to showcase their dilligent work.

"They're not in Quinn [Hall] seeing the students labor all over those machines, and they work so hard," Tong said. "They work day and night. They sew till their fingers bleed.