Combining dancing, colorful costumes and free food, the third annual “Fashion Show Your Love” transformed the Hooker Atrium of the Gillings School of Global Public Health into a cultural melting pot.
Hosted by the Student Global Health Committee, the event featured outfits from more than five countries to help one — Haiti.
Donning outfits from countries such as Vietnam, China and South Africa, models walked down a red carpet runway to raise funds for the relief effort. While the event and various ethnic foods were free to the public, the show featured a silent auction and voluntary donations to honor the one-month anniversary of the earthquake.
The event began with an a cappella performance courtesy of The Achordants.
The fashion show followed, with about a dozen models showcasing international attire as an emcee provided commentary.
Bhangra Elite, a dance group specializing in Punjabi-style dance, and an African-style dance group, Zankiliwa, performed.
Josh Davis, a graduate student, said he enjoyed nearly every aspect of the event.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “There were good costumes, good food and at a good cost — free.”
Catered by Mediterranean Deli and the Curry Blossom Cafe, the spread was just as culturally diverse as the outfits.
A silent auction offered gift certificates, handmade crafts, Cat’s Cradle tickets and other coupons to the highest bidders.
Fauzia Tariq, one of the models and a second-year graduate student, said she enjoyed the international theme.
“It was a good display of culture, whether in the food, or the clothes, or the auction items.”
Daniel Cothran, co-chairman of the Student Global Health Committee and a model last year, said he was pleased with the turnout.
But he said the event did not raise as much money as he had hoped. Cothran said the organizers hoped to double the $2,000 they raised for Bolivia last year.
He said about $1,100 was raised through Thursday’s event.
Nataliya Vanchosovych, a Ukrainian graduate student and model at the show, said the outfits were very authentic.
“We were engaged in outfits similar to these,” Vanchosovych said, standing with her husband and fellow participant, Myroslav Sypa. “They are very traditional.”
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
