The University of Massachusetts Amherst Fashion Organization (UFO) has an annual spring fashion show that highlights student designers and fashion lovers of all kinds. This year’s theme, Through The Aura, takes place on April 21, 2023. I spoke with model Khine Mra, a sophomore studying food science and resource economics. She expressed her experiences about what the show was like and what led her to where she is now.
Mra remembers watching plenty of Asia, and America’s Next Top Model shows growing up: “It is kind of a full circle moment,” Mra said. She implements what she had seen on the show from the judge’s critiques into her modeling practice. “I like to bring my A-game into anything I do. I’m a perfectionist, which is why I probably have a problem with deadlines because time should not matter; it’s the quality of the work that should be valued,” she remarked.
Mra, being from Myanmar, believes in the importance of representation within the fashion industry. She empathized the models we are often exposed to in the media commonly have a bigger platform than most, which can overshadow other models. Mra sympathized with the importance of recognizing models from developing countries that have established themselves beyond the country in which they’re based. “One of the models I am most exposed to is Gigi Hadid,” Mra added, “Gigi has done a lot: campaigns, she worked with UNICEF, and is a great advocate for refugees.” The significance of representation is essential within UFO. They provide lots of diversity and inclusivity with their models. “I feel like I’m adding to the representation, and that’s pretty powerful.” She stated.
For Through the Aura, the UFO committee has organized the show into five different sections. Mra explained, “We have to embody different themes and emotions.” Model coordinator Esosasere Osunde gives personalized advice to the models which embody the assigned emotion and walks. Mra said, “Before going to practice, I like to make sure I remember what I want to do with my face.”
Mra worked on watching and paying more attention to specific individuals and their actions as they walked. She admitted, “Some people have powerful facial expressions, some have creative poses, and some have walks that naturally click with their assigned sections.” There’s something to take away from everyone. UFO has an incredibly supportive environment, especially given how some models are likely unfamiliar with one another. She added, “The supportiveness has been pretty evident with the recent fittings that we’ve had. This also ties into what I can give and take from my experience with UFO and the event.”
The UFO fashion show does a lot of experimenting with styles and silhouettes and creating their own sense of authenticity within their clothes. For the UFO runway show, Mra wore a design by designer Jimmy Dubon and a UFO-styled outfit assembled by Darwin Our.
For subsection two, Mra wore Jimmy Dubon. “The pieces were edgy, to say the least.” She stated. Mra wore a long-sleeved T-shirt and blue Champion shorts, both of which had embellishments, and a beanie. Within this particular section of the event, each model has to represent power, anger, and rage, “The part of the outfit that I would not have was a lime green beanie with stuffed brown ears. Given section two’s theme, the beanie presented a challenge in embodying emotions of anger and power.” It prompted her to have more dynamic poses while interacting with the outfit.
Darwin Our, the show’s creative director, put together her second look for the show. It was displayed under the UFO-styled subsection of section five. “It was a complete 180 from my previous fit.” She commented. She wore a light brown sequined mermaid gown with burgundy tulle gloves. She received a matching set of gold and deformed pearl necklace and bracelet.
“The outfit would have been appropriate for evening events held by the upper echelons of society and something I would never be seen in on a daily basis.” She felt super grateful to have the opportunity to walk in it.
With the experience of being a UFO member and model, Mra felt there was much room to grow and get better at the craft of modeling, photography, and videography, as well as other positions the club has for its members. She said, “I’m hoping they’ll provide more opportunities for me to take where I can express myself creatively.”
UFO pushes creatives and fashion lovers to grow and connect as a community. Walking in for the runway has pushed Mra out of her comfort zone. Being in the midst of avid fashion lovers opens up conversations. Mra explained, “I like going out and talking to people about anything other than, like, how’s your day? Being around people who love fashion creates a sense of belonging, and I appreciate that about UFO.” Overall, Mra wants to see the whole day go smoothly and wishes everyone has a great time during and after the show, “I’m sure it’ll be great, and it’ll be plenty of fun.” Mra states.
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