Fang-tastic Fits at Fashion Arts Club’s Fright Night Fashion Show

Overlooking the Gold Coast’s nighttime skyline, two parallel runways sliced their way through Kasbeer Hall on the 15th floor of Philip H. Corboy Law Center. House music blasted into the open space, over the cobwebs framing the stage and caution tape strewn about pillars.

After the abrasive bass of Death Grips’ “Get Got” faded from the speakers, the creative director of Loyola’s Fashion Arts Club (FAC), Britt Starghill, took the mic to welcome everyone to FAC’s Fright Night Fashion Show Oct. 29.

“Let’s see some of these beautiful ass models,” Starghill, a third-year international business major, said.

Showcasing original looks designed by FAC members, the show was divided into four categories — Hollywood Horror, Cursed Couture, Phantoms and Fashion and Duos — all drawing inspiration from different parts of Halloween culture.

Beginning with Hollywood Horror, outfits embraced aesthetics from various periods of movie history, ranging from the 1920s flapper girl to the superhero blockbuster. 

Dressed as Clark Kent, second-year Lyam Krownapple boldly ripped open his button-up, revealing his secret identity — Superman. In a world where the masses want to look formulaic, Krownapple said he wanted to stand out from the crowd.

“Everyone’s wearing the same thing nowadays,” Krownapple said. “So just pop out and be different.”

For many of the 15 or so models — like Krownapple — it was their first time walking a runway. The narrow, quasi-backstage area was filled with last-minute rehearsals of model walks and poses.

“It’s a little chaotic, but it’s really fun,” Ava Emmons, a second-year biology major, said between practice struts. “I’ve made a bunch of friends and we’ve all just had a really good time getting ready together.”

Emmons’ statement echoed the consensus among other FAC members — the club was able to cultivate a strong, supportive community among creative visionaries. In the crowd of the thin dressing room, eye shadow palettes and compliments alike were swapped across the aisle, the club members not only sharing resources, but reaffirmations as well.

FAC President Betty Kifle stressed the importance of fostering a collaborative community within the club. The third-year advertising and public relations student praised the teamwork of all who made the show possible, from models to marketing and everyone in between.  

“Us all working together, being rushed, feeling the same love, feeling the same stress, feeling the same fear of wanting the show to be the best — that is what intertwines us into a community,” Kifle said.

Makeup artist and third-year Sinéad Buckley explained this was her first time working at an event like a fashion show. Amazed by all of the outfits of the models she’d be styling, she expressed the importance of makeup in fashion — especially in a horror-centric setting.

“You’re never fully dressed without a little bit of mascara,” the film and digital media student said. “I feel like it really pulls a whole outfit together, especially for Halloween makeup.”

The fashion was completely designed by Loyola students, setting this year’s show apart from those before. One outfit was brought up by models and audience members alike — designer Cay Chun’s pair of jellyfish, the centerpiece of the Duos section.

Returning from last year’s show, Chun said she was excited to not only design once again, but to model as well. 

“I’ve always made clothes for other people, I’ve always been modeling for other people’s clothing brands, so being able to model my own clothes, it’s really nice,” Chun, a second-year studying criminal justice, said. “It’s really exhilarating.”

Another sentiment echoed throughout the club was the satisfaction of being able to take on such an ambitious project in such a short amount of time — just two weeks. But the time crunch was hardly noticeable by the sheer quality of each of the pieces.

The audience seemed to agree, with piqued gasps and delighted yells traveling out from the spectators.

“I think it’s so beautiful that things can definitely be repurposed in ways they’re not exactly meant to be worn,” first-year advertising and public relations major Julia Gostenik said. “I’m not a part of the club, but I’m definitely thinking of joining after this.”

FAC charged a three dollar cover for admission into the show, with all funds raised donated to the National Immigrant Justice Center, an immigrant rights organization. Kifle explained the organization’s mission went hand in hand with FAC’s, citing the importance of looking out for one another. 

“As much as Loyola Fashion Arts Club prides ourselves in the community, we should also be sure that we are taking part of the Chicago community,” Kifle said. 

After the last model strutted down the runway and the artistic team took their final bow, the web of bonds between FAC members stayed strong. 

Models who had met their makeup stylists hours prior were found hugging and exchanging contact information as the face paint got wiped off. Smiles comprised of vampire fangs couldn’t be erased, even long after the show’s conclusion.  

“I’m looking forward to our meetings after this because we’ll know so many more people because we’ll have lent each other makeup or blood or outfits and dresses,” Emmons said, skin still stained with fake blood. “It’s going to be awesome.”