Now in its 42 year, The University of Memphis Black Student Association's fashion show, dubbed "Fashion's Changing Forever," is back tonight in the University Center ballroom at 7. Tickets are $10 at the door.More than 50 models donning fashion forward threads look out from sepia-toned photographs. It could be 1974, or it could be today.
Jasmine Hockett, chair member of the fashion show and senior broadcasting major, said this year's event is "definitely something The University has never seen before."
"Instead of getting a normal student production, they're getting New York Fashion Week in Memphis," she said. "I want students and student leaders to see that they're capable of doing great things if they put the energy into it."
Clarence Simpson, co-chair and communications and fine arts senior, said the elaborate show has been in planning stages since June.
Though there are still 300 tickets left, twenty VIP tables and 438 tickets have been sold so far this semester, Simpson said.
He said the committee's goal was to be as diverse as possible with the clothes and models in the show, with styles ranging from hippie and vintage to Memphis State University and Ivy League throwbacks.
"In the past, the show hasn't been this extravagant," he said. "Students can expect a lot of choreography and a very mature atmosphere."
President of BSA and senior marketing management major Mykila Cobb said she's looking forward to the show she's spent late nights and early mornings helping prepare.
"People think it's easy (getting together a show)," she said. "But they just see the end product. It takes time to get together."
She said when she started helping plan the show, she wanted everyone involved to get a "full experience."
This year, the 10-member board of the production brought in local and national sponsors including Reflections Modeling Agency, ReadyU and CoverGirl Cosmetics.
Hockett said Reflections trained all 53 BSA models and introduced them to professional opportunities in print and commercial modeling while ReadyU donated laundry detergent, Old Spice, Venus Razors and money. CoverGirl also contributed monetary donations as well as marketing material and makeup.
"We owe it to the committee, models and sponsors because honestly, if it were not for them there would be no show," she said.
Cobb encouraged fans to come out early to secure a seat. She said BSA is open to students of all races and backgrounds and that the show incorporates all walks of campus life and style.
"A lot of times we see differences before we see similarities," she said. "It's always good to support everyone's style because everyone's different."
