Haute College

Fashion has become a hot topic around the Ohio University Community. The online-only fashion magazine Thread has launched, there are rumors of Backdrop magazine doing a secret fashion shoot and Fashion Associates put together another successful fashion show on Moms Weekend.

The top thing on most women's minds during Moms Weekend is shopping. There were lines out the doors to stores such as Fig Leaf and The Other Place. Many of the empty racks were in thanks to the Fashion Associates. This student organization aims to increase the knowledge about the fashion industry and help students get a foot in the industry's door. The group collects clothing from retail stores around the city and finds models to work the runway. The show attracted about 500 spectators to the circus-themed show this year.

Students modeled clothing from stores such as UniversiTEES, Elder Beerman and Artifacts Gallery.

The organization works all year to put the fashion show together, said Ali Morris, one of the show coordinators. Spectators don't realize the craziness behind it, such as the models running down two flights of stairs to change or convincing the stores to lend clothing.

Besides the show, members work on resume and cover letter writing. They also have access to trend databases, which provides information on future trends.

"Companies will pay thousands of dollars to access this program, and we get it for free," Morris said. "But they will get information about winter trends while we get it for summer. It interesting to look at and talk about later."

The organization has existed for about 15 years, she said. About 7/8 of the members are retail majors and the rest include students who love fashion.

"It's been a good experience and I have enjoyed planning the fashion show and doing the advertising and PR for the group," Morris said.

Check out some of Athens fashion here. This is Fashion Show on May 1.