Lap dances, race-cars and feathered wings all took center stage as Central Connecticut’s Fashion Design Club (FDC) hosted their “Vibes 2.0” themed fashion show. 

Events Management student employee Clinton Jackson stood guard by the doors of Welte Auditorium, keeping spectators confined to the lobby. Jackson speculated that the dancers featured in the show’s opening act were not yet ready.  

While those in attended waited inside the lobby they were able to browse the featured local vendors, such as “Cashout Kings” and “Stray Society.”

The show opened around 7:40 p.m. with a half circle of shirtless male students sitting in chairs. One-by-one, each male was greeted with a sultry dance performed by female models dressed in seductive red dresses. 

The scene didn’t end there, once the models were all out, two female dancers joined and performed a dance routine to “Get Money,” by the Notorious B.I.G featuring Lil Kim. 

“Act up” by The City Girls began to fill the auditorium and the show’s host, a CCSU student, came out to greet the audience. 

Soon after Hartford native “Survival 815” designs took the stage, the scene featured men and women’s Urban sportswear style clothing. 

The shows third act opened with a projected short film, a very creative introduction to “No Emotion Studios” designs by Owen Newman. The collection featured very modern urban street style clothing. 

The audience went wild as a red, children’s car pulled up on stage, introducing the next “high-speed” designer. The collection seemed to be the influence of NASCAR racers and the whole Motorsport culture. 

The transportation inspired theme was popular, but the mood changed as designer “Flight Vintage” appeared next, showcasing late 80’s and early 90’s influenced sportswear. 

Kanye West’s infamous “Yeezy Season” seemed to inspire the scene structure for the next designer “Deconstruction.” 

During the show’s intermission, local artist Jay Rock performed a melody of original music, along with a tribute to the late Zoe Dowell. 

Dowell was a local Hartford artist that went by the stage name “Gangstalicious,” who was subsequently killed during a police shooting in 2017. 

FDC’s secretary April Hudson showcased her “Radiant” designs and “Culture France” designs, which featured a mixture of formal gowns and lingerie. 

The organizations president Sasha Walker also showcased her personal designs. The collection featured men and women’s wear that incorporated a plethora of neon green and snakeskin statement pieces. 

Before the final act, the stage turned into a party as the host welcomed audience members to dance as the models prepared for the shows last act. 

Mirage Magic closed the show with a carnival-themed collection and models sported feathery bedazzled lingerie pieces. 

Freshmen Jelani Calloway enjoyed his first FDC fashion show and the acts featured. 

“Honestly its really good. I like to see the no-name brands, the ones that are on the come-up, start to accumulate that business and having the students as models for their brands,” Calloway said. “You never know, Versace came up as a no-name brand at first too and look at them now.”  

FDC puts on a fashion show every semester where they highlight local Connecticut designers and give them a chance to showcase their works and sell their merchandise.