The Kat Walk — a modeling registered student organization on campus — hosted its annual fashion show at Gregory Hall on Sunday. The theme of the show was “A Night At The Movies, The Pink Carpet,” inspired by popular films and media.
From references to the popular animated television show “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to the classic musical film “Grease,” the event provided upwards of an hour of fashion with entertainment.
The evening opened with remarks from director Kenny Woodards, sophomore in FAA, and producer Kristian Robbins, junior in LAS. The show proceeded with 10 scenes depicting popular movies. The outfits were modern interpretations of famous costumes, including Cher Horowitz from “Clueless,” Velma from “Scooby Doo” and Rizzo from “Grease,” among many others.
“If I’m being completely honest, I don’t know where I came up with that idea,” Robbins said. “It really just came to me one day.”
Robbins said she was inspired by previous work she completed with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.
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Along with the modeling, there were several performances during the show as well. Each scene opened with a skit. There were two dance numbers incorporated into the show, each working with the surrounding context to create a story for the audience to follow.
A local musician, D1V1NE, sang two songs before the models made their way back to the stage.
Robbins directly interacted with the audience with three giveaways. Members of the audience were invited to strut the stage themselves for a chance to win a photoshoot, lash set and tote bag.
Audience inclusion tied into the overall ideas of TKW: accessibility and inclusion.
“The idea was anybody can be a model,” Woodards said. “We take in anybody, anybody can come.”
Robbins echoed a similar sentiment about the inclusivity of the show and said the RSO is accessible to any individual who would be interested in being part of a show.
The Kat Walk’s fashion show is an annual event, but the RSO has scheduled events before next year’s show.
“We do have two other shows, one is called Met Gala, and we’re actually partnering with our (Illinois State University) branch for that, and then we’re going to ISU for their production,” Woodards said.
“I like the little family we created from the show,” Robbins said. “It’s really great to see all the talent and the potential that the models have had.”
