On April 1, Boston University’s Fashion and Retail Association hosted its Spring 2023 Fashion Show, “Gardenia.” Held in the Metcalf Trustee Center, the event showcased the looks of 32 student designers’ interpretations of the word “gardenia.”
The festivities began promptly at 6 p.m. and guests arrived dressed in their most lavish springtime looks. The venue was meticulously decorated to match the earthy garden aesthetic, teeming with finger foods and beverages.
Leading up to the show, guests mingled around the entrance while enjoying their food. People complimented each other’s outfits, used the photo booth backdrop, and visited the event’s vendors: Boston Cowgirl, Socio Division, HER Boston, The Essence of Essentials and Saral S.R.L.
The doors opened at 6:30 p.m., and guests dashed to get the best seats next to the walkway. The F&R team structured the attendees’ chairs to face the runway from both sides, creating an immersive and intimate experience.
The Metcalf Trustee Center was ornamented with subtle yet beautiful flora, including shrubs, a soft-pink gardenia lanyard lining the back of the stage and bouquets of flowers trailing the catwalk. The show began at 7 p.m., when an event director welcomed everyone and introduced the events of the evening.
Immediately after the greeting, the show began. One by one, the models began strutting down the catwalk. The versatility of the models enhanced the presentation of their designer’s work. No two models walked down the runway with the same outfit, poses, speed and facial expressions.
Nearly every outfit provoked gasps from the audience. I had a hard time fathoming just how much skill it took to create such intricate pieces of clothing.
I liked that each designer’s theme interpretation generated a unique product. Every outfit was different, highlighting just how exceptional the team behind F&R is. Many diverse and wonderful perspectives that exist within the association.
The hair and makeup team was the cherry on top to make each outfit an immersive experience. Each model’s hairstyle told a different story — whether done by attaching flowers, butterfly clips or an elaborate headpiece — which, combined with the bold makeup, made every walk ethereal.
BU’s F&R Fashion Show was a pristine representation of the fashion, design, photography and production talent this association showcases. I urge everyone to attend an F&R show, regardless of whether you have fashion and retail experience. I’m sure you will be awestruck by their talents nonetheless.
