Fashion show of UFO 

UMASS Amherst's "Through the Aura" fashion show, held on April 21, 2023, was an emotionally intense and artistically rich event that left a lasting impact. Taking place in the campus center auditorium, the show featured more than 250 unique looks crafted by various fashion designers. Under the creative direction of Darwin, the show's theme revolved around the complexities of grief. This theme of grief was meticulously expressed throughout the entire event. It was evident not only in the clothing ensembles but also in the makeup and the carefully selected music, which added depth and emotion to each look. The models, along with the model coordinator Esosasere Osunde, executed their roles brilliantly. The entire team, including the eboard members, graphic designers, stylists, photographers, videographers, makeup artists, and public relations, played crucial roles in making the event a success. The audience was treated to a spectacular show with around three hundred attendees filling the auditorium to capacity, and tickets selling out quickly. Numerous performances entertained the audience throughout the evening.

The preparation for "Through the Aura" closely resembled that of professional fashion runway shows. Auditions were held earlier in the semester, attracting around two hundred aspiring models. Only a select few made it through the rigorous selection process, which included both a regular walk and a personality walk. What set this fashion show apart was its theme of emotion, a concept thoughtfully explained by Creative Director Darwin Our. He emphasized that grief is not a straightforward emotion limited to times of physical loss but is a world of its own, accessible during any form of loss at any time. In this world of grief, a multitude of emotions can coexist simultaneously, including sadness, confusion, rejection, and rage. This show successfully conveyed the interconnectedness of mental health, loss, and emotions.
This event shed light on the importance of fashion shows as platforms for creative expression in clothing and for addressing deep emotions. It demonstrated how fashion can serve as a medium for both self-expression and exploring complex emotional landscapes, emphasizing the profound connection between art and human experience.

Shows within the history of Fashion Runway have equally expressed clothing to be something both beautiful and haunting while adding a twist of emotional intimacy for those wearing it and the spectators watching. Plenty of shows have the iconic concept of reimagining fashion means of an emotional art form, shifting the expectations of fashion lovers and artists alike to interpret the pieces and take in the background of the runway as well as the music as an extension of humanity and its morality. 

COMME DES GARÇONS' EMOTIONAL FALL 2015 RUNWAY SHOW

Fashion designer Rei Kawakubo, of Comme Des Garcons did a fashion show back in 2015 with a focus on separation or meditation. Comme des Garçons' emotional Fall 2015 runway show, led by fashion designer Rei Kawakubo, was a memorable event that centered on themes of separation and meditation. The collection showcased Kawakubo's avant-garde approach to fashion, featuring unconventional silhouettes, asymmetrical designs, and a predominantly black-and-white color palette. This runway show was not just about clothing; it was an artistic expression that aimed to evoke deep emotional and contemplative responses from the audience, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion and inviting viewers to reflect on the concept of separation and inner contemplation. During an interview with Fashionista, Kawakubo expressed,  "A white cotton “dress” — inflated like balloons and tied up with neat bows — opened the show. It instilled a sense of loss that pervaded throughout. (White is the color for mourning in Asia.) There was a white dress covered in bows, a gold-embroidered tiered structure covering a model’s entire upper body and a black tulle cocoon that closed the show. Faces were often wrapped and covered with black lace, obscuring the models' expressions to render the notion of shared emotion." Fashion shows are a powerful platform for designers to convey a wide range of emotions through their creative use of textures, clothing, and silhouettes. Each collection tells a unique story, with the choice of fabrics, colors, and garment shapes serving as a visual language to express the designer's artistic vision and emotional narrative. Whether it's the drama and opulence of haute couture, the rebellion of streetwear, or the elegance of eveningwear, fashion shows provide a canvas for designers to evoke feelings, provoke thought, and inspire the audience through their sartorial artistry.

Through the eboard, volunteers, photographers, etc, the models, the founder of the UFO organization, and the show, it is a glimpse of what student unifying can do. The models showed lots of vigor and team support during the performance of each walk and it was overall so rewarding to be in such a charged-up atmosphere. I am sure everyone is already excited for next semester's theme and designers and who knows, you may be the next batch of models to walk the UFO Fashion Runway. College fashion organizations and fashion universities play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and providing a platform for aspiring fashion designers and enthusiasts to showcase their creativity to the world. These institutions offer a wide array of resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about the fashion industry. One such example is UFO, a university fashion club that represents a microcosm of the thriving fashion culture within academic institutions. These organizations, like UFO, go beyond being mere clubs; they operate as professional training grounds where students can hone their skills, network with peers and industry professionals, and gain real-world experience in the fashion world. Moreover, these student-run fashion shows often feature unique fashion lines from student-owned businesses. This not only promotes entrepreneurship within the fashion community but also highlights the innovative spirit of the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs. It showcases their ability to blend creativity with business acumen, which is crucial in today's competitive fashion industry. In essence, college fashion organizations and universities provide a nurturing environment for young talents to flourish, and they contribute significantly to the diversity, innovation, and professionalism within the fashion world. UFO's success is just one example of how these organizations empower students to pursue their passion and make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving fashion landscape.