The Sam Houston State University chapter of the NAACP will host its annual fashion show today in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
The official event name is The Fashion Show, and will also use #TFS15 to be identified throughout social media. According to the director of The Fashion Show Najee J. Jenkins-Smith, the student-run production has taken over a year to put together.
“The Fashion Show has taken 13 months to put together,” Jenkins-Smith said. “The Fashion Show is an annual spring production put on by Unit 6816 of the NAACP to encourage SHSU Bearkat productivity and importance to presentation.”
Jenkins-Smith said the reasoning behind the event is simply to allow past and present students to have their work in the spotlight.
“The purpose of the annual NAACP Fashion show is to highlight SHSU alumni and/or undergraduate entrepreneurs in the fashion industry by allowing them to showcase their collections,” Jenkins-Smith said.
The vast array of jobs performed by students and alumni goes far beyond fashion. Jenkins-Smith said their involvement is instrumental to the show’s success.
“SHSU Students and Alumni are involved not only as featured brands, but as well make-up artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, event planners, visual producers, public relations advisors and much more. Every aspect of the show is put together by Bearkats,” Jenkins-Smith said.
There have been several name brand designs shown at the event in the past. Jenkins-Smith said more will be featured tonight.
“Past Designers who have participated in the show are BCBG Max Azria, Ralph Lauren, Cache, Urban Outfitters, Chose Life, Deola Designs, High Hopes and Courtney’s Closet,” Jenkins-Smith said. “This year you can expect to see seven brands: three undergraduates, one alumnus and three corporations. The brands will be Courtney’s Closet, Astonishing Apparel, Vary Stable, MAW Supply, Bebe, Urban Outfitters and Banana Republic.”
The ticket sales from The Fashion Show will benefit the NAACP chapter at SHSU.
“Proceeds for The Fashion Show will go towards the productivity of Unit 6816 of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to continue to provide interesting and innovative ways to fulfill the organization’s agenda,” Jenkins-Smith said.
Jenkins-Smith said this fashion show allows for a variety of designs from students as well as more recognizable brands to provide the audience with a unique experience.
“I believe our fashion show is unique from any other campus fashion show by allowing our students to work side-by-side some of your favorite corporation [such as] Ralph Lauren, Bebe, Urban Outfitters and many more,” Jenkins-Smith said.
Jenkins-Smith reflected on how an event such as this brings people from all walks of life together to appreciate a common interest.
“The Fashion Show is special to me because one thing that unites cultures, races, sexualities, religion, etc. is the appreciation for fashion,” Jenkins-Smith. “Fashion is a universal topic that everyone loves to partake in.”
The Fashion Show will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Johnson Coliseum. Tickets are $7 in advance, $12 at the door and are available from Jenkins-Smith at njj002@shsu.edu.
