ICED to hold fashion show tonight

Race relations at the University may have a long way to go, but members of the Intercultural Coalition to End Discrimination hope that they are making a difference. Modeling clothes from several stores around the city, members of ICED and other campus groups will perform in a fashion show, "United Colors of Penn," at 8 p.m. tonight in Irvine Auditorium. The Student Planning and Events Committee is also sponsoring the event. Thirty-three models will present clothes from stores including the Gap, Urban Outfitters and French Connection. Admission is $3. Because students from many different backgrounds are interested in fashion, ICED President and College senior Joanna Paul said she aims to attract a diverse audience. "Everyone wants to know where to shop and what clothes look the best," Paul said. "Our show also conveys a visual message because people of many different backgrounds will be interacting with each other." "That's something that you don't see much here," she added. Using a wide variety of music, including club, jazz and rap, the models choreographed their own routines. During each segment, the emcees will briefly describe each model's background and activities on campus. Between sets, students will read poetry and give their perceptions of issues such as racism and sexual orientation. College senior Lena Najafi, who helped direct the show, says she hopes to set a precedent for other students. "It's great to see people come together from so many different backgrounds," Najafi said. "Maybe it will convince more people that they should go to more interracial events." Founded last year, ICED has already helped improve communication between students representing various cultures, Paul said. The group has held several brunches in which students have discussed a topic suggested by ICED. At a brunch last month, two international students from Brazil and one from Hawaii described how the issue of multiculturalism is addressed where they live. Paul said the group also hopes to sponsor forums and parties and become more involved with the Greenfield Intercultural Center. "My freshman year, the racial communities seemed so constricted," Paul said. "Now, it's more mixed. People are beginning to establish relationships across racial lines. It feels different here. It feels more comfortable."