By Lea Freeman, Asst. Culture Editor – (Photography: Michelle Martinez, News Editor)

On Friday, the second annual “Slam Fashionation” runway show took place, featuring student-designed and modeled clothing, as well as original poetry.

Expectations were high, and Slam Fashionation did not disappoint, filling the main Arts Fest tent to overflowing with enthusiastic, excited, viewers. Expertly executed lighting and music made those lucky enough to ge

t a seat feel like a VIP at a very exclusive event.

The participants were not members of any specific group or club on campus. They were chosen instead from “open calls” for designers, models, and poets. The event’s theme was “elements,” with each creation

intended to exemplify one of the four classical elements, of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The poetry was likewise written to portray this theme. Collaboration between poets ensured the prevalence of a strong “slam poetry” style.

Slam Fashionation is the brainchild of Kathie Chang. During her sophomore year of college, Chang became the UGBC Director of Fine Arts in the Department of Student Life. Her initial goal involved a huge collaborative event with every single arts group on campus. Although this proved impossible, Chang decided to do something through UGBC a

t Arts Fest. Along with Lauren Gomez, a member of Art Club, Chang planned a fashion show and an open mic poetry reading. Time constraints forced to two events to be melded together, resulting in Slam Fashionation as it is today.
The poetry component of Slam Fashionation was particularly well received. A total of 9 poets wrote and performed interesting and unique works setting the mood for the clothing on display. Poet Kevin Hall’s piece was even accompanied by Paul Yang’s improvised saxophone. Each of the 38 model’s outfits suited them perfectly, and each

model flawless preformed his or her runway strut.

Since the first Slam Fashionation last year, the event has grown substantially. The number of models and designers nearly doubled, with other additions to this year’s event including, the “elements” theme adding unity to the show, as well as a formal runway and professional spotlights. Chang expects a bright future for Slam Fashionation, though organization of next year’s performance will be conducted by Preston Landers and Jordan Mendoza. She hopes that this event will be a quintessential part of arts fest. In her own words, “I want Slam Fashionation to be at Artsfest when 10 years

from now when I come back to visit Boston College.”

- Select Gavel photos from the event.