Campus Fashion Show Features Artistically Diverse Designers

The successful Black Women of MSU and N Crowd Magazine hosted a fashion show at the MSU Union that showcased the work of various designers and raised money to fund both organizations.

Takai Taggart, president of N Crowd Magazine, an apparel design and textile student, said her inspiration for the fashion show stemmed from a benefit event she attended over the summer at the Detroit Institute of Art.

Taggart selected designers from the Michigan and Midwest area to have their designs featured on the show. Among them was Terrance Eaddy, designer for Debonaire Collective.

“It felt really amazing,” Eaddy said. “This is actually my first show, I’ve never done a show before. It was offered to me by President Takai and Jordan, and it was amazing to see my dream come true. I’ve been in fashion since I was 12, so it’s a full circle moment.”

Models wearing Eaddy’s designs wore trucker hats with the words ‘Debonaire Collective’ on the catwalk.

Designer Alex Passick of Ace Grime said this experience was also the first time his designs had been featured on a runway. His designs mainly focus on streetwear, including hoodies, t-shirts, baby t-shirts, and hats.

“It’s a bit surreal,” Passick said. “I’ve never done anything like this, I’ve done a few pop-ups, but when you actually have to put together outfits for people, it’s a whole different feeling. Walking on stage, seeing them walk on stage in that context is a completely different feeling and I think every brand owner should do it and experience that.”

Audience member Miracle Whitfield said her favorite piece of the night was by designer Valdez Hodge.

Hodge’s brand is called Dezdelmar. His designs featured a range of quilted coats and vests that used material to create faces resembling a skull on the back of the coat. He gets his inspiration for the designs from him looking at clothing through an artistic lens.

“The inspiration behind my designs comes from an artistic perspective, so I like to translate art into clothing,” said Hodge. “I would like to extend my brand forever. So once I’m gone, I’d like the brand to live forever and never be forgotten and carry on.”

After the show, the designers set up tables outside the ballroom to display and sell their designs. Audience members had the opportunity to talk to the designers about their clothes, learn more about their brands, and shop for their clothes.

“It’s always a pleasure to show my work to potential clients or supporters,” said Hodge.

The sheer number of audience members was what Taggart appreciated most.

“I’m very proud of the turnout, honestly,” Taggart said. “I feel like we almost had a full house and I’m very grateful for that surprise. We made a lot of money for our (organizations) and everything, so I’m really proud of that.”