“Make Love Not War” read the bold T-shirt as the model glided downstage. The crowd’s eyes followed her bright smile and elegant composure as she represented the freedom of expression in the Storyville Fashion Show. Models, music and metropolitan appeal brought 10 local designers’ merchandise from hangers to a full house Friday night at the Manship Theatre with the premiere of Storyville’s first fashion show, “A Celebration of Louisiana Fashion.” Josh Harvey, co-owner of Storyville, said proceeds will go to the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless to raise money and awareness for the city’s poverty. Randy Nichols, CAAH executive director, informed the audience of the recent increase in homelessness after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “It is a bigger problem than we see day-to-day along Chimes Street,” he said. After Nichols promised an intense effort to reduce homelessness, Harvey assured the audience the would be a unique show. “We guarantee you’ve never been to a fashion show like this,” he said. “We have incredible Louisiana designers all under one roof.” From relaxed jeans and T-shirts, to trendy dresses and accessories, the show exhibited the art of designers like Supermaggie, Purple Monkey, Dirty Coast and many more. “It’s an eclectic group of people,” said Mickayla Durrant, accounting senior. Durrant also said the show was vital in informing the city of local designers. “I wouldn’t have heard of them otherwise,” she said. The show opened with a break dance performance from Robot Circus, a group of break dancers, or b-boys, from New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The boys in black exhibited their contortions and spin moves, leaving the audience with jaws dropped. The models filled the stage with personality as they strutted to the saucy music provided by DJ Otto Orellana. High fives and hip-bumps were only a couple of the ways the models transitioned on and offstage. Rock signs and silly antics also accompanied the models as they stopped at the corners of the stage to showcase Storyville’s wide variety of apparel. Harvey said he wants the show to be fun for everyone. “We’re trying to interject comedy,” he said. Between the random ploys of jokes to the hosting by Josh and Seth Harvey, the audience consistently responded with laughter. Other entertainment included a brass performance by the Trumpetocalls, a trio of University musicians, and a rock version of “Born on the Bayou” by Ray Hudson, a vocalist from Monroe band Riverside Railway. Josh Harvey said the show was successful because of the interaction among the people that put it together. “It’s a big family,” he said. “We mixed fashion and art with so many different emotions.” After a curtain call and many thanks from the Harveys, the cast put the crowd’s hands together as they second lined their way around the audience and out the theater to the New Orleans music of the Trumpetocalls. Erin Watkins, University alumna, said the show catered to young adults because it directly involved them. “It shows young people can do what they love,” she said.
—-Contact Lindsay Gallman at [email protected]