Have you ever imagined yourself walking down the runway in this season’s new fashion lineup? Well now you have a chance to do just that with Eastern Michigan University’s Fashionality.
“The focus of Fashionality is to show your own personal style, as well as creating an outlet through student design and all areas of fashion,” said Fashionality’s current President and Director Brittni Brown.
For those not already familiar with what happens at fashion shows, Brown gave a pretty descriptive answer.
“Beautiful chaos is what goes on in a fashion show,” she said. “There’s never a dull moment from the actual planning to the actual show. There’s doing the hair, make-up and clothing. There is always positive energy going on in the backstage of a fashion show. It’s a lot of hard work and there is lots of dedication.”
Fashionality, formerly known as Fashion Police, was founded in 2008 by EMU student Emanuel Upshaw.
“He wanted to start a fashion show and a fashion week,” said Brown. “He had a vision. We were told we couldn’t do it, but the type of students in the organization wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
When asked what the organization does, she said, “Fashionality gives opportunity to those interested in fashion and modeling. It allows people to have their own creative freedom to do what they want, and to be seen and be heard. We put on fashion shows, focus on self-esteem and want you to be the best you can be.”
Brown said Fashionality is an open organization made up of EMU students and alumni.
“It is open to anyone who has interest in fashion, or isn’t interested in fashion, but is interested in marketing. We don’t have a height, weight or ethnic requirement, and we allow anyone ages 16-30 years old,” she said.
The fashion shows took place at the University Lake House the first three years, but this year’s runway event will be held in the Student Center Ballroom.
“We have a lot of tricks up our sleeve this year. You won’t even think you’re in the EMU Student Center,” Brown said.
The week of the show is referred to as “Fashion Week,” with different activities taking place throughout the week.
Brown said each day is dedicated to a different thing each year, with the week culminating with the fashion show.
“This year we will have a masquerade ball, and a Miss Fashionality EMU pageant. Every event is free and the fashion show is on the Thursday at the end of the week,” she said.
Everyone is beautiful in their own way, so go audition. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the star of the show.
Fashion show auditions will take place in room 305 of the Student Center on Monday, June 4 from 5-8 p.m.; Wednesday, June 6 from 5-8 p.m.; and Saturday, June 9 from 3-7 p.m.
