The models strutting the runway at the 4th Annual Unity Charity Fashion Show weren’t all size zeros. They didn’t push 6 feet tall. But according to Unity co-president Emerly Soong, they represented the show’s main theme: diversity.
“We chose people who have different body shapes, different cultures and heights,” said Soong, a Weinberg sophomore. “We have every size and ethnicity here.”
About 320 people gathered in Norris University Center’s Louis Room to watch 31 students model clothes from 21 designers Sunday night. This year, Unity donated 100 percent of proceeds to Falling Whistles, a campaign aiding child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Unity is composed of 12 cultural student groups and STITCH Magazine. Each year, the organization spends Winter Quarter planning and raising funds for the fashion show, its sole event, Soong said.
“Of course we’re celebrating fashion and great style,” Soong said. “But our internal goals are very much rooted in giving back and appreciating diversity.”
Unity had hoped to widen its scope, co-president and Weinberg junior Stephanie Leung said.
“In past years, it’s been a much smaller show, and a lot of the designers were just small boutiques,” she said. “This year, we were able to get a lot more name brands and larger corporations to sponsor clothing.”
The show also included a raffle for Urban Outfitters merchandise and gift certificates for local businesses. Singer-songwriter Kina Grannis, who gained fame on YouTube and whose first album debuted at No. 5 on iTunes’s pop chart, performed after the show’s intermission.
Because the venue reached maximum capacity, Leung said Unity is considering moving to an outdoor space next year. Regardless of its location, Soong said the Unity fashion show serves the NU community by fusing fashion, charity and culture.
The diversity of models appealed to Weinberg freshman Antonia Yang, who attended the event in support of friends involved with Unity.
“I think it’s really cool that all the models represent the multicultural facets of the school,” Yang said. “The show really promotes that the models are of all shapes and sizes.”
In addition to well-known brands, Unity showcased work from Chicago-based designers and NU students. The International Student Association, for example, donated cultural outfits such as saris and kimonos.
“It’s great to see designers from around Chicago who aren’t as well known,” Weinberg freshman Tammy Nunez said. “My favorite part was when they had student designers and it was all Oriental clothing.”
SESP senior Rebecca Crook has modeled in the show for the past two years. She said the differently priced fashions added to Unity’s diversity.
“It’s a great production, something that’s really unique and different,” Crook said. “I know I’m wearing a lot of Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs, but then there’s stuff from Urban Outfitters, so it’s a big diversity for all crowds.”
While those packing the Louis Room cheered as the show’s message played out on the runway, Soong said her main goal as an organizer was to make sure designers and models enjoyed themselves as well.
“It brings a platform for people to celebrate diversity through style and fashion,” Soong said. “I think this is a great medium to express themselves.”
