Fashion for a cause

‘Jane Eyre’ takes the Latimer-Shaeffer stage this week

By Brittany Wilson, contributing writer
Posted on November 12, 2007

Lights. Music. Fashion. 

The Future Fashion show took over Rocktown Bar and Grill Friday night for an evening of fashion, music and dance to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The event took in over $700 for the charity. 

The show was put together and produced by the student-run organization Blame It On the Train, with the help of the JMU Fashion Design Club.  Together they transformed Rocktown Bar and Grill into an elaborate fashion set with a runway and stage for the models and band.

The evening started off with free appetizers and music provided by DJ Maskell from WXJM. The techno beats, accompanied by a hip lighting scheme set an upbeat vibe for the rest of the evening.

Two hours after the doors opened, the models hit the runway wearing fashion-forward outfits put together by members of the JMU Fashion Design Club.

“We spent hours and hours putting together these outfits to make sure we achieved a certain look,” said JMU Fashion Design president Laura Robertson. 

The models were provided with professional hair and make-up as well as professional tips on how to walk the runway to make sure the fashion show flowed smoothly.   

The first line showcased at the Future Fashion Show was an urban-wear line. After a short interlude provided by the Mozaic Dance Team, the pink-and-white collection took the stage. This collection showcased the outfits in support of the evening’s breast cancer awareness cause. 

After another interlude by the JMU Breakdance team, the last collection took the runway. This collection had a cocktail look that was easily transformed from day to night.  All the pieces used in the show were providing by local Harrisonburg retailers, along with original pieces designed by JMU students.  

Future jammed out during the fashion show and continued on through the night.  After seeing them perform at a local music festival, various members of Blame It On the Train thought that Future would be a great band to bring to the Harrisonburg area.  

“We saw them perform at Spaghettifest and they were awesome,” says Blame It On the Train’s production coordinator Travis Tucker. “We thought that they had a good grove.” 

This group not only proved to be a good vibe for the fashion show but it also provided great entertainment for people after the show.  For those who missed out on the night, Blame plans on bringing Future back to Harrisonburg sometime in the near future.

The collaborative efforts of Blame and the JMU Fashion Design Club created a unique experience for the audience. 

“I thought the show was great,” said junior Jessica Freedman. “I loved how they mixed fashion together with live music.”