At the age of 15, sophomore Naomi Smith discovered an interest in fashion. Likewise, senior Brittanny Griffiths said she has always had a certain flair for the fashion industry, but only recently began to develop her dream.
“I would see advertisements and signs for the fashion merchandising major offered here and would just think, ‘Man, that would be so much fun,’” Griffiths said.
Since December, the two Youngstown State University students have been working to put together a fashion show, which will be held Saturday at the DeBartolo Stadium Club.
“It was a lot of planning,” Smith said. “We had to get release forms from the school, get stores and people to sponsor us, get security and parking, and even set up a committee to help with the models and the planning.”
Smith said one of the most difficult parts of organizing the show was finding stores that were willing to sponsor it.
The show will feature local models, as well as some of Smith’s and Griffiths’ friends and family members — and even Smith and Griffiths themselves. Smith designed five outfits for the show, while Griffiths put together six.
In addition to outfits designed and made by Smith and Griffiths, models will wear pieces from the stores Toba and Deb. They’ll show off casual, urban, evening and unique outfits, including dresses, jeans, shorts, leggings, shirts and gowns.
The location will seat about 120 people, and the event is expected to last around an hour and a half. Both Smith and Griffiths said they’re excited for the show.
“I just want to sit back and take it all in and just enjoy it,” Griffiths said. “I have helped out with other shows, but this is my first time producing one.”
The show will also feature a raffle for prizes like gift certificates, gift bags and makeup purses. Each raffle ticket will cost $1. In addition, the cost of admission is $5, although it is free to YSU students. The fashion merchandising club will receive 25 percent of the profits.
Doors will open at 8 p.m., and parking will be available in the parking lot next to McDonald’s on Fifth Avenue for $5.
