Fashion show Dresses as ‘Karneval’ adventure

STRUT kicked off its “Karneval” themed fashion show Saturday to a packed audience captured by the mix of comedy, music, dance and fashion. Participants slipped into their roles of ring leader, bearded lady, Siamese twins, a half-man, half-woman and a tattooed girl.

Models were painted to look like dolls and mimicked their every move, with swift motions and sudden tricks. Others were painted like animals from head to toe and graced the stage with sloth-like movements. Every section of the show was specifically themed with corresponding music.

One of the Siamese twins, Whitney Washington, a junior and accounting major said she was nervous and excited about being a part of STRUT. This was the first year she and her twin sister participated in the show. Washington became interested in getting involved two years ago when her best friend was in the show.

“I was like, maybe I should just give it a try . and I made it! Me and my twin sister made it,” Washington said.

Dollhouses, gypsy caravans, harlequins and masquerade brought the audience into a playground of babes and dolls. Fire twirlers and jugglers performed tricks with circus music in the background.

Eunita Watson, a junior and a nursing major, thought the show was a good idea.

“I would have liked (it) a little more upbeat, but it was a good show overall,” Watson said. “There were some slow parts but, for the most part, it was
entertaining.”

Gisele Kennedy, part of the makeup production for STRUT thought it was an excellent show.

“I’m speechless really,” Kennedy said. “To think this was a college level performance and production-there was a lot of symbolism and a lot of energy.”

Visions of Paris’s Moulin Rouge and Barnum and Bailey’s Circus merged together while sexual innuendo and provocative moves played the stage. Backstage was less organized; 20 minutes before the show, half the performers and models were running around with hair undone, half-dressed and wearing no makeup.

After the show Washington said she was glad it was over and thought the show went perfectly.

“I was thinking, ‘Don’t trip. Don’t trip,’ ” Washington said. “I had to walk (with) my sister right next to me . we were counting in our heads . telepathic connection right there.”