STATESBORO—Dozens of models stand waiting for their cues, dressed head to toe in sparkling jewels, bright colors and ornate outfits. The eyes of the audience members never leave the curtains. Spotlights shine, music starts. The show is about to begin.
Last Thursday, Georgia Southern’s Arabic Club hosted their second annual Multicultural Fashion Show at the Williams Center, displaying a variety of countries and regions including:
- Colombia
- Central & South America
- India & South Asia
- Tanzania
- Nigeria
- Morocco
- Egypt & UAE
- Palestine
The show also included student performers such as Salwa Brannen, a belly dancer and Black Mania, a student dance group.
“It’s my first time modeling. I’ve never modeled before. I’m a little nervous,” said Zenobia Hilson, a model representing India and South Asia.
Despite her apprehension, Hilson wanted audience members to have one major takeaway from the show.
“Cultures come in all shapes and sizes and color from head to toe. Culture is just different. And I think we should learn to appreciate it, no matter the color,” said Hilson
Zion Perry, a model representing Colombia said, “Outfits have on culture where they came from, their origins, what they represent, how they express themselves, in color and in the way fabric is made,”
Models strutted to various cultural songs including “Yo Me llamo Cumbia” by Los Cumbias Stars, “Nitongoze” by Rayvanny & Diamond Platnumz and “Ya Zareef Al-tool” by Nancy Ajram to name a few.
Esther Chukwujekwu, a graduate student and fashion designer presented her Nigerian Wedding collection in the show.
“My culture is very colorful and very diverse, very flamboyant. And for me, colors are one way you can show how flamboyant and diverse things can be, and put those things into clothes,” Chukwujekwu said.
