Epiphany Modeling Troupe to present Willkie fashion show

Live, Love, Fashion.

This is the holy trilogy that Epiphany Modeling Troupe claims its members live by. This passion will be put on stage Friday as the troupe presents its first fashion show of the year.

The show, titled “Stylish, Wearable And Gorgeous,” or “S.W.A.G.,” will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Willkie Auditorium.

One of the co-founders of EMT, LaTroy Hampton, said the show will continue in the group’s tradition of portraying fashion in a creative and different way.

Rather than having music blare through speakers and models walk up and down the runway, EMT mixes it up.

Each of their shows is organized into a series of choreographed scenes, each highlighting a different trend or style in various ways.

As EMT volunteer and junior Elliot Staples puts it, the shows are more than just walking down the runway.

Friday’s show will highlight local boutiques like Pitaya and Cha Cha as well as franchised stores like Old Navy and the Limited, with 12 stores showing in total.
Models will wear styles for the fall and winter seasons.

“Attendees should expect to see styles ranging from business wear and preppy to young and trendy styles that can be worn every day or even on a night out with your friends,” Staples said.

Epiphany offers those involved with the show more than just fashion tips, however. The organization, founded in fall 2007, is centered around the positive influence participating in shows can have.

“The motivation behind any show is not just to display new trends or fashion, but to display confidence, class and hard work on the runway,” Staples said.

This is something Hampton said is especially important at a place like IU. He said the group focuses heavily on maintaining and creating confidence in young adults that they may lose coming to such a large university.

By involving models, volunteers and those in charge in every step of the process, Hampton said it creates a sense of family orientation and security.

The group’s hard work has led it to gain a reputation on campus, something reflected in high attendance levels at previous shows. Last year, both shows were sold out, and EMT was forced to find a larger venue to have the show.

“We really encourage a diverse audience,” Hampton said. “This is an event that everyone involved with the University can benefit from, and we’d love to sell out this show.”

‘Stylish, Wearable and Gorgeous’
WHEN 7 p.m. Friday, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE Willkie Auditorium
ADMISSION $5 in advance, $10 at the door and $15 for VIP
MORE INFO Epiphany Modeling Troupe will present its first fashion show of the year.