The Buzz Coffeehouse filled with pulsating music and a lively audience Saturday night as the Asian/Pacific American Student Union (APASU) kicked off Asian Heritage Month with its second annual fashion show.
With an overflow of audience members standing outside, student volunteers donned sequined dresses, classic business suits and traditional Asian garments. And after the fashion show, audience members tried to outbid each other for dates with some of the models.
The event was free, but APASU encouraged students to bring three cans of food, which will go to Food for Lane County, as will the profits made from the auction.
“I thought the show was successful,” said Sugie Hong, APASU programs coordinator. “The energy was incredible and there was more diversity within the crowd this year.”
Despite a slow start because of technical difficulties, the event was deemed a success by those involved.
The first segment of the fashion show, which was mostly sponsored by Syntax clothing, featured traditional Asian wear from Korea, the Philippines, China, Japan, Africa, India and Nepal.
“These particular fashions were unique to American dress, because each item represented historical orientation that many of the audience members like myself had never seen,” said Glen Park, a recent University graduate.
For those interested in more conventional dress, models exhibited a classic collection of formal wear. Female models strutted their stuff with silk dresses and ball gowns, while the men flashed standard black, red and suede suits.
The casual segment included models dressed in spring and summer clothing and urban wear. Styles for women ranged from floral design dresses and skirts to orange T-shirts and flared jeans. The men dressed in basic shirts and khakis.
The show also included active wear, such as athletic gear and apparel to wear to clubs.
Model Masahiro Yokoy said he was glad to be part of an event dedicated to the Asian community.
“I thought it was great,” he said. “I met a lot of people.”
Yokoy, a junior business major, said his favorite outfit was the traditional Asian wear.
“My kimono was pretty tight,” he said.
Audience member Sheloman Byrd said Syntax had some “happening threads” and it was “cool” to see so many different people come together at the event.
Sophomore pre-journalism major Pauline Kim said she likes the fashion show because it’s a great way for students to become familiar with campus diversity and learn more about Asian culture.
“It’s for everyone,” she said. “It’s great entertainment.”