The Union’s Emerald Ballroom was packed from wall to wall on April 19, with people snapping pictures with friends and family. Each outfit showcased distinct styling choices, reflecting the designers’ focus on self-expression and individuality.
Merchandising Incorporated brought fantasy to the runway with their spring fashion show, “Fables of Fashion.” Marking the 72nd performance, the showcase blended enchanting storytelling with bold design, as student designers reimagined fairy tales like “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Alice in Wonderland” into striking, wearable art.
“I like how diverse we can make each piece,” said Mikael Eaeveno, a participating designer and fashion merchandising freshman. “With the creativity that comes with it, it’s broad but specific, so we can draw a lot of inspiration.”
Merchandising Inc. is a student organization established in 1988, where students interested in fashion, home furnishings, merchandising and retailing are offered real-world experiences in the industry regardless of major.
The show was divided into two sections, with the first half introducing the audience to florals, knits, tights and fur. Capes glided down the catwalk, paired with black-and-white striped knee-high socks and a standout look inspired by Alice from “Alice in Wonderland,” complete with her signature blue tone but on a skirt and top.
Models oozed confidence, soaking in the cheers and applause from above, radiating both pride and poise. Music filled the room, setting the mood as models showcased each design. At the end of the runway, they passed each other at the curtain like a baton handoff, each exchange met with a wide, knowing smile.
“Little Red Riding Hood” was a common theme, with fur trimmings on hoods and cosplay fangs made of long acrylics, worn in a similar style to the characters’ designs.
Student designers drew inspiration from the Ace of Spades card to create a skirt and used makeup inspired by the Red Queen from the 2010 movie “Alice in Wonderland,” a reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel.
The look featured a light foundation for a Renaissance-inspired base, with a red lip and her iconic blue eyeshadow.
“This fashion show means a lot to me for self-expression,” model and fashion merchandising sophomore Gavin Commander said. “Especially for people who have a difficult time with self-expression, it shows that we’re really cool people.”
Commander added that the spring show was a creative outlet that students can use for inspiration and to challenge themselves.
After the intermission, the second half of the show featured designs that utilized silhouettes, with corsets, hoop skirts and veils taking over the stage. These garments used textures, glitter, and layering techniques, giving each piece dimension.
Staple colors like red, blue and white were prominent during the second half, with headpieces drawing the audience’s attention. The use of pocket watches and clocks was a prominent feature in many pieces, drawing from fairy tale staples that the audience could connect to through popular childhood stories.
To close out the show, all the models returned to the catwalk after the last design was shown, dancing and grinning as they took one last walk for the audience.
The Merchandising Inc. officers filled the stage, some welcoming everyone for coming out, while seniors gave their last goodbyes.
“Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real,” fashion merchandising senior Kennedy George said. “I’m super proud of how everything came together, and I couldn’t have done it without my team; they helped bring the vision to life.”
While thanking everyone for attending and congratulating the organization for selling out a whole show for the first time, they expressed how much they appreciate everyone’s participation.
Taking one last group picture, Merchandising Inc. brought the show to a close. Families hugged and friends surprised participants with flowers, laughing and showcasing how proud they were of everyone involved.
“I deem this as a great opportunity for me for sure,” model and psychology junior Ta’Niya Gipson said. “It’s just something that aligns with my dream reality, so it means a lot to me.”
Some students, like George, thought it was a well-received show and deemed it a representation of the support that Merchandising Inc. provides to each member.
“Compared to past shows, this one felt extra magical,” George said. “Every designer pulled from their childhood for inspiration, making it more personal and creating their own little world. [It was] definitely the best way to close this chapter.”
