There is something special about the vibe a fashion show brings, no matter what the location may be. A distinct blend of excitement, nervousness, and everything in between can be sensed prior to a show. Now imagine all these feelings intensified to the highest level, and you may be able to replicate the feelings of those participating in these shows. In Buffalo, the local fashion scene is not be the biggest, but the passion brought by students at local colleges is certainly giving it life. Over the past month, African American student organizations at both the University at Buffalo, and Buffalo State College hosted fashion shows that had the respective campuses buzzing.
Although each show presented its own grace and style, there was no doubt that UBs’ offering was the ritzier of the two. Located at the Marriott Niagara with a theme of shades of noire, the setting was fitting for a night of bright lights and chic looks. “The reason we choose to do it off campus is so it involves more people,” says Charles D’Onigbinde, president of UBs’ African Student Association. This proved to be an effective plan, as a crowd of 500 people filled the dimly lit ballroom on that Halloween night. However, there were no ugly costumes or masks at each turn of the head; but rather well groomed outfits.
With a huge audience to impress, D’Onigbinde knew he had to get a solid line-up of designers for the show. Sure enough, the designers delivered; with notable showings from upcoming brands such Ashanti Beads, Blaac Tokio, and The Grunge Project. According to D’Onigbinde “The designers have to make you want to pay for them,” since there is a standard for the show to live up to. Despite all the possible hindering factors that the planning committee worried about, such as a designer or host bailing, or a broken stage, things ended up going well at the Marriott. ” Located at the campus social hall, the theme of Buffalo State’s show was underground couture. Although that may not carry the high-class appeal of shades of noire at the Marriott Hotel, Buffalo State certainly wasn’t looking to be outdone. Bright lights illuminated the stage all night as all guests dressed trendily in a variety of styles filled the seats. Participants of both events conceded that seeing a large crowd is a huge boost to the vibe. While D’Onigbinde mentioned that being one of the productive minds behind organizing a show could be stressful, the job of a designer at one of these shows calls for a lot more. Cheyenne Forde, founder of Heuristic Clothing, and designer for Buffalo State College’s fashion show claims, “For weeks I spend time designing pieces that both accommodate my brand as well as the theme of the show.”
Although the two shows may have had a stark difference in their dress codes, both showcased perceptibly similar brands. Japanese influence was displayed by separate brands at both events, in aesthetically contrast brands such as Heuristic and Blaac Tokio. However, The Grunge Project was the main event at both shows with an innovative and wild runway outing that is the norm for the brand. It goes without saying that street wear was the dominant style at each event. However, the Underground Couture Show did present an elegant line of dresses from Monica Cardona.
Designers rightfully had great pride and compassion for each of their respective brands. “I have faith in my designs and I get excited when I get the chance to showcase my hard work to others,” professed Forde when, adding that the main goal is to excite the audience. The aim to please the crowd was a mutual goal shared by partakers of both shows. “Hearing those good reviews really gives a sense of satisfaction,” D’onigbinde states, adding “There’s no better feeling than proving doubters wrong makes me feel like we really did it.”
Ultimately, each show accomplished the goal of crowd satisfaction and creating a special aura for one night. Ridiculously creative talent was on full exhibit in both settings, showing that shows more about the passion and interest, and not just a fallacy created by a location. If the efforts of the two student bodies continue to run at a high level, who knows? Maybe the Buffalo fashion scene will begin to bubble up higher.
