By Denzel Williams, Staff Writer
On Feb 9. Saint Leo University’s Student Activities Board along with Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Incorporated and the school’s very own Lioness dancers hosted a fashion show dedicated to a week of love for Valentine’s Day. The event contained Valentine’s Day fashion preparation, prizes and entertainment provided by various students and organizations on and off campus.
The Fashion Exposition: A Valentines Affair was spearheaded by Graduate Assistant for Student Activities Bebe Ankomah and Captain of the Lioness dancers Brittany Green.
“This was basically a fashion show catered to Valentine’s Day with the theme of love, not just love shared between couples but love for your culture, pertaining to the African dance group toward the end, and self-love as well; it did have a focus though on what you could wear on Valentines dates also.” Said Brittany, a senior in Psychology.
The event first began with a series of performances. Show host and hostess Kofi Taylor and Sarai Paul kicked things off with a welcome and introductions followed by an opening performance by the Lioness dancers and spoken word by Lola Manley.
The actual fashion display began afterwards with the segment called Colors of Love. Models were given a color which represented a particular trait, emotion or statement. Students cheered ferociously as models strutted down the runway exhibiting colors such as passionate red, pure white and affectionate pink.
Colors of love was only the beginning. The show took a slight break from modeling and transitioned to more entertainment from students and Greek organizations. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated along with sister organization Sigma Gamma Rho sorority incorporated began with Greek tribute. A song performance by student Erica Zigon and a dance by “the unknown shadow dancers followed.”
Up next was the segment contributed to date apparel. The categories for clothing were broken into formal, semi-formal and casual wear. Love filled the room as couples sashayed down the runway hand in hand. At one point there was even a slight proposal by Tristin Hunt, one of the models for semi-formal date wear.
The event even contained a parody segment on what NOT to wear on a date. Male models Maxy Dorvilus and Tristin Hunt both came out wearing athletic shorts, pajama pants etc.
The finale was yet to come, after a ten minute intermission, West African dance troupe “Nan Nkama” came out and performed.
“The show was very well put together. I found the African Dancers to be very inspirational being that I am very interested in their culture, they were definitely my favorite part. I loved seeing the Greek organization take part also especially the Sigma Gamma Rhos. It’s great to see Greek organization get together and participate with non-Greek organizations”.
The event had the SCC boardrooms filled, students had to stand all along the walls due to lack of seating.
“I hoping we can do this again soon” said Brittany… “ If everyone is on board with it and schedules align then things should be happening soon”.
