Photo by Me! Featuring Sandee Thapa, in David's Bridal
Hofstra Students got their first taste of the runway on Saturday, November 21, all in hopes to raise money for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This is Hofstra’s third annual Destination Runway charity fashion show, it has become a campus sensation overnight bringing students together from a variety of organizations on and off campus, bringing a little bit of big city fashion to our Long Island University. Destination Runway was founded by Hofstra ‘09’ Alumni Peter DiSilvio in 2006.
“At the time the Student Government Association (SGA) just wanted to bring the campus closer together, being so near to New York I’d say Hofstra is a pretty fashion savvy campus. Destination Runway Hofstra allows students of all social groups to combine their talents to make something fantastic,” said DiSilvio who made it back this year to see the show.
Each year since DiSlivio founded Destination Runway Hofstra, a different charity and theme has been selected. This year the WWF and Urban Jungle theme was chosen, why?
“Because it’s a jungle out there!” said Victoria Vullo, a junior at Hofstra University and one of the evening’s delightful hosts.
The WWF has for over 45 years, made an effort to be nature’s voice and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Currently the WWF is the world’s leading conversation organization, active in over 100 countries it is supported by more than 5 million members globally. WWF works every day to find a common ground between nature and human beings, hoping to find a solution that meets both parties needs.
“We hope to purchase two lions, and name them Kate and Willy!” said Brian Marquis, SGA member and Vullo’s charismatic co-host.
Sticking true to its theme the runway was decked out in an elaborate set designed to duplicate the city skyline, complete with a faux subway entrance, and endless strands of ivy accents (taking jungle to a literal sense).
Every detail was taken care of, from water bottles (donated by Lackmen) on every seat, to an adrenaline pumping combination of lights and club music.
The show’s first segment had 20 of the student models strut their stuff in casual wear. Included among some of the starting ensembles were, various animal printed dresses, shirts, and skirts for girls. While boys in blazers, vintage T-shirts, acid washed jeans, and leather jackets flooded the stage. The next run consisted purely of outfits from David’s Bridal, this time girls flaunted cocktail to floor length dresses, and boys boasted neatly pressed tuxedos, all to the tremulous roar of the audience.
In-between the runs the audience was entertained by two of Hofstra’s finest performance groups, Dance works and Armani: Hofstra’s Hip-Hop dance group. It was easy to loose oneself in the atmosphere which seemed to be somewhere between a high fashion show, and a nightclub, either way Hofstra USA was unrecognizable, but none of this glamour came with our blood and sweat.
“It took a great deal of time and effort to pull this off, we had to work closely together as a team.” said Lukas Miedreich, Student Services Chairman Hofstra Student and Contracts Manager of the event.
By We Miedreich is inferring to the five executive board members assigned to the Destination Runway Project including himself, Dan Lebo, Samantha Erickson, Steve Aikens, and Victoria Vullo, in addition, to their various sponsors, student government volunteers, community volunteers and all 48 of their student models.
“The final product was amazing, but we didn’t end up here without doing a more than fair share bit of work.” said Miedreich.
Preparations for Destination Runway began in spring of ‘09’, when the executive board was decided along with the theme. Then began the process of finding sponsors, including people willing to donate clothing, then set design and recruiting the models. All of the models were Hofstra Students who auditioned for a chance to walk the runway on September 16 and 17; from there they practiced every Thursday until the event.
“By far the most difficult part was getting clothing, in order to get donations you have to go through corporate which can be generally quite a mess, we didn’t get our first donations until the first week of November.” said Miedreich.
Clothing was donated by Hazard Line, Accessories, Chickey Designs, David’s Bridal, and Jessi Higens
“The evening was a totally success and I could not be happier!” said Miedreich
Prior to the nigh to the event the SGA sold a total of $1400.00 worth of tickets and that night an estimated $1000.00 more was made.
