The Fashion Merchandising Department at the University of Bridgeport presented a New York City themed fashion show in the Student Center’s Social Room (free of charge) on February 7. Students were given the option between two show times—one at 4 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.
“We chose the NYC Fashion State of Mind because a NYC theme had never been used before by the fashion department,” Fashion Merchandising Student Flor Montero said. “It was only right to do that theme, being so close to the city and Fashion week in the fall inspired us.”
The show began with Alicia Key’s rendition of “Empire State of Mind,” performed by Julia DeMato, who was in the Top 10 of Season two of the TV Show “American Idol.”
“Julia’s singing was wonderful,” Freshman Shanice Brown said.
As DeMato ended her performance, a slide show began to feature clips of New York City’s exciting life. It focused primarily on fashion, which included Fashion Icon (“Sex in the City” character) Carrie Bradshaw, who stated, “I want my money to be hanging up in my closet.”
Junior and commentator for the show Duanecia Evans wore a stunning black and leopard print dress, and introduced and provided a description of each scene.
The swimsuit numbers began the show which featured all types of beach attire from maxidresses, trunks, bikinis to pink flamingos, one-pieces, flip flops and beach balls.
“The swimwear was most definitely the best scene,” Brown said.
The next representation of style portrayed that strolling through the Big Apple is very casual; but New York City is known for its conservative style, yet at the same time pushes fashion to the limit. During this scene, most of everything was worn from maxidresses, skirts and bustiers, purses, heels galore to jeggings, Sperry’s, and shades aplenty. Apparently the scene was set in the summer due to the rompers, tanks, and floral blouses, to even summer and straw hats.
The preceding theme was Business, which reminded the audience of New York City being the economic center of the world. Black tie, pumps, blazers, tweed, ruffles, geek glasses, button downs, pencil skirts, and pearls were noticed.
Cocktail dresses galore from silk to bandage dresses to prom-type dresses, suit vests and a little red dress were next featured in the Dinner-theme. The club scene was next and this featured a lot of black, v-necks, lace, and glitter. Stonewash shorts and red heels paired together were featured, and pink floral tops were worn.
Julia DeMato gave another performance, this time singing Lady GaGa’s “Bad Romance.” At the conclusion of her song, five UB cheerleaders performed a number from the New York Rockettes. Next up were tuxedos, and dresses in abundance from a wide variety of hues from oranges, pinks, and blues to white and purple.
To conclude the show was a Victoria Secret’s inspired number, which featured the silkiest silk, robes, and lingerie dresses and The New York cowboy ended this scene and the show.
“United We Step [UB’s Step Team] was my favorite, along with the bikinis the models bodies were sick [beautiful], but I think the show in itself was great,” DeMato said.
Adjunct Fashion Merchandising Professor Cynde Koritzinsky appreciated her students’ hard work.
“The students had the ability to experience everything from publicity, to choosing models, to setting the stage or backstage area, to visiting the stores to choose the apparel, to placing the show (finding the right outfit for the right model), learning to work within a budget, setting priorities, while learning about making commitments,” Koritzinsky stated in an e-mail.
Koritzinsky expressed gratitude to several stores that lent their clothing, such as Loehmann’s, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Camillo’s Tuxedo (all from Norwalk), JC Penney (from Trumbull), Filene’s Basement/Sym’s (from Fairfield), B Chic (from Wilton), Urban Outifitters (from New Haven) and Jantzen (from NYC).