My Friday night was spent living every fashion columnists dream: sitting front row at a fashion show, surrounded by a sea of well-dressed individuals.

No, I didn’t get whisked away to a big European fashion mecca, or flown to Austin, Texas for fashion week. I got my fashion fix right here in Bowling Green for the fifth annual Rip the Runway.

The show is thrown by the Black Student Alliance in Preston and acts as a fundraiser, collecting canned goods and charging a minimal fee for admission. The event and clothes shown were sponsored and donated by Francesca’s, Crisp Boutique and JCPenny.

While my experience after the show was a little shocking, the show itself was exciting, adrenaline fueled and FIERCE. The all caps are entirely intentional.

The models rocked it. Every one brought their A game with their walk and poses. It honestly made me want to jump up there and see if I could rock the runway myself, though common sense kept me from doing so.

All the girls rocked towering heels with each outfit. Now, you might see me on campus in heels on a good Tuesday or Thursday, but these girls were rocking those heels at heights I couldn’t even fathom. 

One of the six collections shown that night was a swimsuit collection designed by Louisville junior Coumba Sow. Sow, originally from Africa, was inspired to create her line after an eye-opening trip to Trinidad and Tobago over spring break.

Her influence of the native style of that country showed. Girls walked the runway with intricate masks and bikinis covered in jewels, feather and flowers. The one bold man strutted the catwalk in something similar, though obviously not a bikini. 

I definitely applaud Sow for not only her boldness and ambition to put her work on the runway, but for her use of color and material to bring the style of Trinidad to Bowling Green.

Altogether, however, bravo BSA. This event was unforgettable.

Summer is approaching and classes are wrapping up for break, but that doesn’t mean Dry Clean Only is too! See what our columnist is doing to keep you fashionable and up to date this summer and click the link below!

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