From left: Model Katie White, Designer Julie Hinkley, and Model (and designer) Desiree Carolla.
White and Carolla are wearing designs by Hinkley.
Stray and homeless animals in Kalamazoo are feeling the love from local fashionistas.
Members of Merchandising Opportunities Design Association (M.O.D.A.) presented three fashion shows Nov. 12-13 to benefit the Kalamazoo Humane Society (KHS).
“Mad Couture,” presented a Cityscape Event Center in downtown Kalamazoo, was an overwhelming success.
Proceeds from the shows will be donated to KHS, which is a leader in animal cruelty prevention, pet population control and humane education in Kalamazoo County.
Kalamazoo Humane Society is not affiliated with any other local or national humane organization. KHS is a local, private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and receives no federal or state funding.
The set for the show was more elaborate than usual. The main stage was draped in yards of plush red velvet and gauzy purple tulle. A shimmering chandelier offset a spindly fence and gnarly black tree.
Each of the 21 student designers chose a song to be played while students modeled their collections. DJ Pierce played music by artists such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Rihanna and Florence and the Machine.
Katie White has been a M.O.D.A. member for four years, and has been a member of the public relations committee and served on the executive board as secretary. This semester she was the set chair and modeled for designer Julie Hinkley.
White said that the group is working more cohesively than in past years.
“I have to say, I was really impressed with the progress M.O.D.A. as a whole has made,” said White. “The quality of the garments has gotten much better.”
Potential designers now have to audition for a spot in each show. WMU faculty members judge one garment from each designer, and a designated number are then selected to present their collections at the show.
“Having designers audition was a good call,” said White. “It demands quality.”
Brandi O’Dell graduated in May and is working in the Detroit area. She returned to Kalamazoo this weekend to see her first M.O.D.A. show as a WMU alumna.
O’Dell is a former M.O.D.A. member who modeled and designed for the group. She majored textile and apparel studies with a merchandising emphasis.
“It was good to be back and see the progress with construction, set, and the entire flow of the show,” said O’Dell. “They are becoming more professional, and I’m proud of that.”
Her favorite designs were by Elliana Marble, whose collection included neutral colored tribal prints, fur and feathers.
Designer Jill Schaefer created a collection titled “Fondant Fantasy.” Her first look was a black dress with a ruffled skirt and giant sequined strawberry sewn on the front.
Another look was a bright purple sequined shift dress that would be perfect for a night out on the town. Schaefer sent models down the runway to Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.”