Gisel Saillant

‘Lights, camera, and strut’ was the key phrase at the 3rd annual Soul TV fashion show, “Expression of the Soul.” The event took place last Saturday in the Student Union Ballroom. University of Massachusetts students made sure they looked twice in the mirror before walking on the red carpet that welcomed them into the show.

Soul TV, is a registered student organization on campus that aims to satisfy students that share an interest in the performance arts and other media outlets like print, radio, and TV. With “Expressions of the Soul,” the executive members of Soul TV aimed to showcase fashion as art.

Shayna Smallwood, the president of Soul TV spoke about the organization’s mission.

“A lot of people steer away from their mission, we are a performance arts RSO. We are bringing it back to how it was back in 1996; it was more like ‘Soul Train,'” Smallwood said. They achieved their goal by inviting designers, musicians, models, body paint performers and artists to partake in the show.

Before the models put their heels on, the executive board members worked a whole year in preparation for the event. Tryouts for models and body paint performers were held in the beginning of the fall semester.

“We had like 100 people try out; we only wanted 20 actual models. It was tough,” Smallwood said.

Similar to many tryouts, Soul TV had a certain criteria in mind.

“We looked for attitude, body type, walk, confidence and face,” Smallwood said. There were diverse models picked for the show. “We were not discriminatory. I know people have a misconception that you have to be skinny to do it. We are not ‘America’s Next Top Model;’ we look for all types of people,” Smallwood said.

Due to connections that members of Soul TV had, some of the designers that presented their line were UMass Alumni, according to Smallwood, and were contacted through their Web sites to participate in the show.

Smallwood commented that the week before the show, practices were being held every night. “They got a little nervous, a few tripped during practice. I just said don’t stumble during the show,” Smallwood said.

Early Saturday morning, models were already practicing and decorations were being hung in the Student Union. The body painters struggled to put on their pasties and shorts if needed, and got comfortable for the hours of painting by the artists.

A steady flow of attendees started at around 7 p.m. inside the Student Union and comfortably found their seats, waiting for the show to begin. Senior Denise Dailey recited a poem about the meaning of the soul and how it represents the individual.

Each scene was first introduced by a body paint performer who set the mood for the next collection. Alex Petit-Frere, one of the body painters, said “Let’s say that [the experience] was a good one. Very nerve racking at first, but when I got up there it was all good.”

The scenes had distinct themes that would hint to the audience the style of clothes that were going to be modeled. The first scene was called “Fashion over Style.” These collections emphasized the idea that clothing can involve risks that many people wouldn’t take.

This scene featured designs by two UMass alumni, Nekisha Powell and Monique Jemmott. The collection, called “Sweet Society Vintage,” was designed by Monique Jammott. According to Smallwood, Jammott’s designs contained “A lot of retro, old school and funky fresh styles.”

Nekisha Powell’s collection, including short cocktail dresses, was named “Donena Jahvaune.”

The next scene, entitled “Elegance to the eye,” included Gretchen Lafond and her collection, “Mademoiselle Boston.” The pieces modeled were very sophisticated, elegant dresses, according to Smallwood.

During the “Soultry Vibes,” scene Mike Idiokitas, introduced his clothing line “Beeing.” Smallwood said that this collection is a representation of who you are as a person. The shirts with their bright colors would say “I love beeing me.”

After the collections were shown, the hosts of the night, UMass alumni Fallon Mercedes and Nedland Beauchamp, detailed the scenes that would be played out after the intermission.

Freshman Quinn Brown sang the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” during the intermission. Smallwood spoke on why she asked Brown to sing for the show.

“I was working him from last semester. His voice is like John Legend/ J.Holiday,” Smallwood said. The UMass step team also went on stage to perform for the crowd.

After the intermission, the scene “Crank the Runway” showed off attire with a more urban feel. Daniel McClaurin, originally from Boston, designed the collection called “Sophisticated Swag.” This scene was shared by designer Thai Tran originally from Lawrence, Mass., with his collection, “Geno.”

The next scene, “Soul Fusion,” introduced collections that had versatile day to night attire, starting with the collection “Marnya” that was designed by Avari Thompson. Designs from the collection entitled “Everisse,” designed by Irene Fortes were also modeled on the runway.

The Brian Stevens’ Collection closed the fashion show in the scene “Dare to be Bold.” Stevens’ designs incorporated formal wear for men like suits.

“He mixed sports jacket with jeans. Against the norm,” Smallwood said.

“We got great feedback [about] the show. A lot of alumni were also supporting us, how proud they were that we were able to bring back the fashion and continue the legacy of UMass fashion show,” said Sabrina Haskins, the vice president of Soul TV.

Gisel Saillant can be reached at [email protected]