The lights are dimmed in Schine Underground as student models apply face paint, looking at their reflections in the mirror. As one student shouts, The Beatles’ hit “Here Comes The Sun” blasts through the sound system. A table for tarot card readings is set up nearby, in line with the event’s carnival-inspired theme.

For the past two months, the Fashion Association of Design Students has prepared for its Spring 2019 Fashion Show, which took place Saturday night. This year’s theme, “Night Circus,” was inspired by the book with the same name, said Aanya Singh, president of FADS. She described the inspiration of a “wild night circus” as something that’s full of fantasy.

“It really stuck with me when I was a child,” Singh said. “We were discussing it and we thought maybe circus, but kind of high fashion and dark.”

While Dior had a similar theme for their Spring 2019 Haute Couture Collection, Singh said FADS came up with the theme before any announcement of Dior’s plans.

Adianna Williams, a junior management student at SU, showcases her Night Circus-themed ensemble. Lauren Miller | Asst. Video Editor

The look for the show was heavily influenced by the “Night Circus” movie, said George Baddour, co-head of set design. Painted circles were strategically placed on a tarp to designate places the models had to hit during the show. Baddour said that the five circles surrounding the stage represented different tents and scenes, just like the film.

“So, that all plays together to try to present a bit of the movie, but also go with that circus theme in general,” Baddour said.

The show opened with Adianna Williams, vice president of FADS, walking out in a red dress while holding a balloon. She sat in the center circle as a young girl’s voice crooned from the speakers. Two models inched their way across the stage moments later, contorting and crawling beyond the stage and into the audience.

The darkness of the set and music set the tone for the rest of the show. All 26 student designers based their designs on the “Night Circus” theme, drawing inspiration from the deep reds and stylings of traditional circuses to make models look like fashionable ringmasters. Additionally, some more interpretive designs included aspects of a carnival — like a seat belt from an amusement ride — into the design.

 

Ife Dudley, a freshman information studies student, takes part in Syracuse University’s spring 2019 fashion showcase, hosted by the Fashion Association of Design Students. Lauren Miller | Asst. Video Editor

The show was split into two acts. The first half of the night featured entirely original student designs, while the second half showcased designs from guest, Khangle. He showcased two of his latest collections, the Gold Collection, inspired by late 1800s Vietnamese and Chinese styles, along with the Red Line, drawing inspiration from the 1920s.

Khangle has been featured in fashion weeks across the world, including New York Fashion Week. This is his second year working with FADS for its spring showcase — he’s been coming in for a few practices to work with FADS’ models.

Preparation for Saturday’s showcase began last semester, with rehearsals taking place for the last two months, Singh said. FADS has weekly meetings for its members, along with model training. Outside of the fashion show, FADS organizes photoshoots each month to help give models and photographers more experience.

“That’s what the club is about, giving people experience in the creative field,” Singh said. “To be a part of a fashion show with photoshoots and models who are aiming to be professional models.”

FADS typically hosts one show per semester, but it had to push back this academic year’s fall showcase until the spring. Once FADS began forming committees and focusing on specific tasks, Saturday’s show was able to come together.
Williams said that, whether it’s designing clothes, modeling or participating in production of the show, she encourages students to participate in whatever they want experience in.

“What (students) take away from this is teamwork, skills and meeting deadlines,” Williams said. “Just the whole production experience in all of its facets.”

Published on February 17, 2019 at 11:53 pm

Contact Kerri: kmcanene@syr.edu