The UNR Student Nutrition Association recently hosted an annual fashion show fundraiser on November 10th in partnership with On Common Ground, a local organization that aims to connect the community with educational tools to help adults and children meet their potential with nutritious food. This show featured Reno’s twelve best local designers along with models of all races, ages, genders, and sizes. The show was hosted in the Joe Crowley Student Union on the UNR campus.
The show began with a pre-act of four local artists performing songs. With hit songs by Whitney Houston and other amazing covers, this section was a hit with the diverse crowd who enjoyed the variety of music being sung.
After the performances ended, OCG (On Common Ground) gave a presentation on their mission. The fashion show was created in order to raise funds for mobile markets to serve areas with limited access to food and a food processing plant to convert food into a shelf-stable products.
Audience members could buy faux cocktails and participate in a silent auction that included art and fashion pieces offered by the designers in the show.
The show then started with a brand called Northern NV Thai Fashion. They showcased designs that represented Thai culture, featuring Thai music and dance. Their garments were vibrant colors with intricate headpieces that represented different parts of their culture.
The show also included Onomé Wowo Ladies Fashion, Drag on A Budget by DemenCha, Taylor Uchytil Designs, Playa Wear a la Haute Trash by Paula Povilitis, Zozobee Bikini & Flexwear, Polyesther’s Costume Boutique, Banana Republic GAP Stores, Lily’s Décor la Barata and Upcycled Youth Trends by Kids-Repurposed apparel.
The show’s closing designer was fashion designer Edward Coleman, who’s brand is Edward S. Coleman Designs. It ended on a dramatic and melancholy note, with dark dresses of black and burgundy, and details with lace and leather. The models walked slowly down the runway with a serious expression. The closing act blew the audience away, however there were some standout designers that I personally loved.
Taylor Uchytil featured outfits that defined the model’s personality. The personable items made this segment fun to watch. Some models walked down in leather with red accents rocking a ‘motorcyclist’ look while some walked down in flowery head garments and long skirts showcasing an ethereal look.
I also enjoyed Lily’s Décor which revealed puffy, sparkly, and sleek dresses that any little girl wishing to be a princess or any teen girl waiting for prom would love to have. Their models ranged in all ages, as well as the designs being made for people of all shapes and sizes.
All of the designers came together to truly make the audience appreciate fashion and all of the hard work the designers and artists involved are put through in the process of showcasing their unique designs.