Asian-Pacific models light up the runway

Amid flickers of camera flashbulbs and pounding techno music, Asian Pacific American Heritage Week's seventh annual fall fashion show on Friday in the pillared rotunda of the Franklin Institute capped off a week of Asian pride and culture. A multitude of sponsors -- including the Greenfield Intercultural Center, the Social Planning and Events Committee and all 14 Asian and Asian-American student groups -- began planning the festivities in April and their hard work was crystallized through the dedication of students from all Asian backgrounds. The show's title, Vis-^-Vis, encapsulates the strength the coordinators believe originates not only from an Asian background but a strong Western one as well. A capacity crowd turned out to see the show, which Wharton junior Aric Chang, an organizer, dubbed "the most successful show we've ever had." Together, Chang, College junior Kim-Linh Vukhac and Wharton sophomore Gloria Lee organized a finale embodying the art and diversity of the Asian-American community. Imaginative and colorful clothing ranging from evening wear to swimwear -- from elite designers such as Vivienne Tam and Anna Sui -- reflected that artistry and exemplified the Asian-American success story. Numerous other designers, such as Helen Hsu and Lele Tran, and local boutiques such as Steve Madden and Ma Jolie, also presented an assortment of trendy clothing, all modeled by University students. Throughout the show, native cultural outfits from South Asia, the Philippines, Korea, China and Vietnam brightened the stage, showing that Asian-American clothing reflects not only the styles of native Asian clothing, but other styles as well. Because of high expectations for this year's show "the entire process of organizing this event has been so difficult and stressful from the very beginning," Vukhac said. But, she added, she feels proud "to put such a high-profile event together and to see so many people excited about our fashion show." College sophomore Amanda Finger noted that "everyone seemed to have a good time," especially the models, who, though from a wide range of backgrounds, showed a remarkable sense of solidarity in presenting the event. Wharton senior Bandele Adeniyi-Bada, an African-American model in the show, auditioned on a whim at the suggestion of a friend. Although he jokingly noted that "I don't look Asian? I'm a little too dark," he participated nonetheless, realizing that "it was something I wanted to do."

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