Members of the African Student Organization strutted their stuff on the catwalk Friday for Haiti relief at their annual Threads of the Motherland benefit fashion show.
“For Haiti, with Love” was the theme of the event, which took place in the Old Union Hall of the Old University Union. Approximately 200 people attended the event, allowing Binghamton University’s ASO to raise more than $1,300, which will be donated to Partners in Health — a nonprofit organization providing medical care to victims of the Haiti earthquake.
The fashion show included a dance repertoire, African drum music and a live performance.
“We [usually] pick different charities in Africa [to sponsor],” said Tomide Familusi, ASO president and a junior double majoring in biology and Spanish. “This year, we thought Haiti needed so much more attention at this time.”
Volunteer student models from the approximately 50 active members of ASO and other Student Association chartered groups, such as the Haitian Student Association, strutted the runway bearing Afrocentric designs. The male and female models posed and danced to the blaring beats during the sold-out show.
Among the four showcased designers was senior Ashley Nunez, whose line Weirdo-Inc. included a mixed leopard- and zebra-print, floor-length dress and a gold, lamÃ.é belted number.
“I wanted to specifically focus on African garments. I design for the fun, young and fresh woman,” said Nunez, who has been designing since high school, and has worked several fashion shows at BU — including the Black Student Union fashion show.
Other presentations included slide shows compiled by Kayoll Galbraith, ASO vice president and a senior majoring in nursing, which highlighted different charities in Africa that work to combat poverty, help orphaned children and deliver relief to natural disaster victims.
The Binghamton Sound, Staging and Lighting (BSSL) group helped convert the Old Union Hall into a glamorous catwalk.
ASO members called for outside help for the show through advertising, a Facebook group and word of mouth.
“We spent a lot on the show and we’re giving all proceeds to Haiti,” said Lauretta Oseni, ASO E-Board member and a junior majoring in biology. “We pray for Haiti.”