C.R.E.A.M Fashion Show

Posted by Serafima Fedorova in Campus

Models came and went with the rain. The runway began on the steps of the SFUAD welcome center and wound around a walkway scattered with flowers. It was all very reminiscent of spring, the way the sky was divided into foreboding storm clouds and pale blue sky, while models sported sundresses and loose pantsuits.

May 3 at 7 p.m. chairs were lined up along the runway for the C.R.E.A.M Fashion Show. There was live music by SFUAD graduate Jozelle Anderson, who sang a cover of Warm Water by Banks, and refreshments such as drinks and brownies. Admission only cost a dollar and all proceeds went to the Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families.

C.R.E.A.M fashion was inspired by a beige Chanel outfit in an 80’s issue of Bazaar. The monochromatic style of minimalist pastel dresses and pantsuits reflected a casual elegance the designer and main event organizer Keynan Johnson hoped to recreate. Scarves were incorporated in the style as well, mimicking Dior flair. A senior in General Theatre Performance, Johnson’s interest in fashion has been displayed before. Last semester he designed and hosted the fall fashion show Haunted Librarians at which attendees were encouraged to donate clothing and food to the Salvation Army.

Darnell Thomas, who modeled for Haunted Librarians and C.R.E.A.M event, spoke of the interesting looks on the runway. Thomas praised Johnson for following his vision and creating such a modern and classy style. “It’s very subtle and calming to the eye,” he said. “It’s art.” There was one item in particular—a white dress with gold accents—that he enjoyed the most. “It was as if it was tailored for her.”

The fashion show’s concept of androgyny was reflected by Johnson’s own idea of gender flux. “I don’t think anyone should choose what they should wear based on their gender,” he said. “I’m never the same person, I never choose a gender. I just pick the clothes that look good.” Male and female models wore gorgeous heels, their hair woven into thick dramatic braids.

Marcus BlueEyes, a graphic design major at SFUAD, said that he interpreted the model’s braids to be a symbol of strength. He mentioned he liked how cohesive the outfits were and their silhouettes were pleasing.

At the end of the show, all of the collected money was sent to help families dealing with domestic violence. “I think it’s about giving back to the community,” said Chantelle Mitchell, a SFUAD student part of the creative team for C.R.E.A.M. “And Keynan focuses on that in all his work.”

Vogue College of Cosmetology students donated their time and skills for the event too, doing the makeup for all of the models. The clothes were borrowed from resale store Look What the Cat Dragged In and the Hospice Thrift Store. “I think that’s there’s more and more influence of fashion in the community with each year,” Johnson said. Despite the weather, the C.R.E.A.M Fashion Show was a huge success.