The ever -familiar “Welcome to the Jungle” will help models introduce the latest trends as they strut down a runway surrounded by bamboo leaves. Pi Sigma Epsilon will add a new edge to their fourth annual Rock ‘N Wear fashion show as they showcase their new theme “Rock ‘N Wild,” along with a performance by the new local cover band The Anteeks this Friday at Serranos Salsa Company.
Erica DiMartino, marketing senior and project manager, said the show will feature a variety of apparel from both local boutiques and Hemline, an organization in the department of textile science, apparel design and merchandising. DiMartino said the intermission includes a design competition after an upbeat introduction showcasing clothing from Sweet Pea and Tulip, Posh, Vertigo and Ted and Daisy’s. “The designs will be judged on relevance to the theme, originality and creativity,” she said. DiMartino also said the show includes clothing from Merci Beaucoup, Tattle Tales and Frock Candy. She said the variety of clothing, which features mostly cocktail attire, is relative to the recent change in weather. “You can get great incentive for fall trends this year,” she said. Tiffany Bozant, marketing senior, said planning for Rock ‘N Wear started in January. The event will raise money for the chapter to attend national conventions for marketing and servce events. She said this past year’s convention recognized Pi Sigma Epsilon as the reigning top chapter. Bozant said Rock ‘N Wear’s combination of fashion and music has generally been successful, attracting at least 300 students. She said the new jungle theme, along with The Anteeks, will provide a great atmosphere for the most successful Rock ‘N Wear show yet. “The quality of the show will be a lot better,” DiMartino said. DiMartino and Bozant said The Anteeks will add to the show’s energy. Jason Martin, lead guitarist, said the band is flattered to play at such a big event. “We are humbled by people liking us,” he said. Martin said since Joey Holaway started The Anteeks three years ago, members have come and gone. But the now band consists of five solid musicians. Martin said each member has attended the University at some point, and drummer Mike Tramonte used to play in the University’s drum corps. Martin said from lead vocalist Justin McCain to bassist Chris Hartman, the band provides a unique variety of music. “We’re different because we don’t have a specific genre,” he said. “We play a range from Johnny Cash to Ginuwine, and we do acoustic a lot too.” Martin said there is a lot more pressure to play at the fashion show because they have to play newly learned songs back-to-back. “We’ll be more on our toes,” he said. “It’ll be a breath of fresh air for us to be in front of that many people.” Martin said this event will prepare The Anteeks for their first foot-in-the-door performance when they open for Lazy K at the Varsity on Halloween night. Rock ‘N Wear tickets will be sold until Friday at Free Speech Alley and Patrick F. Taylor Hall for $7 or at the door for $10. Music begins at 8 p.m. and modeling begins at 9 p.m.
—Contact Lindsay Gallmann at [email protected]