The word “creative” doesn’t do the Circular Fashion Expo any justice, but the words “interesting,” “abnormal” and “eye-catching” can come quite close. 

A collection of work was presented on Friday at the third Circular Fashion Expo and the abundance of talent was uncanny. Head-turning designs had many students gawking over the level of professionalism and craftsmanship that was put into the work. 

Heavy bass from the music shook the floor as fluorescent lights lit up the runway.

University students took their seats to take in the production that has been in the works since the beginning of the semester.

When the show began a half hour late, all eyes turned to William Hohe, sophomore in FAA and lead organizer of CFE.3. Hohe strutted out in their six-inch platform leather boots, black trench coat and sunglasses hiding their face. 

After the executive members and performers of the organization walked, the competition began. 

With the theme being Danse Macabre — an allegory on horror — one may go into the show expecting dark, bloody and unsettling looks. Some designs were very straightforward, whereas others needed more of an explanation that wasn’t given. 

THE PRODUCTION

Weeks of preparation and work went into the production of CFE.3, and it showed.

The music was tastefully selected for each individual set and designer. In a fashion show, music is one of the most important components that can set the mood of the entire event.

The Siebel Center for Design isn’t a building with cookie cutter architecture. With all sorts of twists and turns, the choreographers were able to use the building’s layout to their advantage. They didn’t just have the catwalk in the building; they made the building the catwalk.

But with so many corners to turn, the models might have been confused during certain points of the show. 

During the Design Competition portion of the show, a few of the models seemed to have forgotten to continue to walk outside. This not only caused confusion in the audience, but also created a blind spot for the looks. 

When the models arrived at the judges’ table, they were expected to pose for judging, but with the mix-up, some models would walk in front of others, blocking the poses and looks that were crucial parts of the designs. 

Another thing to note was the announcement of the designers in the competition. When the first model stepped foot on the runway, the name of the designer was announced and that was the last you would hear of it. With 41 looks walking up and down the catwalk, it was hard to tell when one designer’s looks ended and the next began. 

Without knowing this information and with so many looks being presented at the same time, voting was a problem. 

THE DESIGN COMPETITION 

To view the looks and reviews, click through the gallery.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Jacob Slabosz

A dress suited for Queen Elizabeth II but made completely out of plastic bags was the first piece to walk onto the runway. Sharika Majeti wore the design by Jessica Mills. The floor-length dress and matching hat had multicolored plastic bags tied and sewn together to create the flowing effect of any silk dress you could pick up at a designer store.  The issue of overusing plastic for everyday tasks was portrayed with the abundant amount of them used in the design. 

Overall, the entirety of the show was mind blowing. When putting everything into perspective, and remembering that all of these students were able to put together this production that brought out hundreds, it is quite impressive.

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