BSL fashion show highlights black culture

Seven men wearing brightly colored Speedo bathing suits took to the runway Saturday night, as part of the Black Student League's Fall Fashion Show. More than 200 people watched University students model clothes from several downtown Philadelphia stores -- including Speedo, Urban Outfitters, Express and Warner Brothers. BSL Vice President Anika Francis, who coordinated the fashion show, told the audience they would not only be viewing a parade of garments. "You'll be seeing different expressions of black culture in general," the College junior explained. The performance did not follow the usual fashion show format with a narrator describing the outfits worn by the models. Instead, the show was a collaboration of various dramatic choreographed scenes. "We are chronicling the black experience going from Africa to the present day," said commentator and College junior Nina Johnson. Each scene in the show had a different theme, highlighting the African American church, brotherhood and sisterhood. The format received positive reactions from audience members. "The choreography in combination with the music was beautiful," said College freshman Lisa El. "You can tell that the models and the people behind the scenes worked hard to pull it off." According to Francis, the models put in many late nights learning routines and the BSL fashion show committee has been working since September to find stores that would donate clothes for the evening. Many students commented on the professionalism of the models, and on Johnson's humor and liveliness. "During those moments between scenes, Nina kept me entertained," Wharton junior Gregory Davis said. "She was perfect for the job." Students who have seen the show in previous years said this year's performance was a major improvement. "This year, they've gotten much more artistic in terms of demonstrating fashions," College senior David Wright said. "It's a good move." Proceeds from the Fall Fashion Show go to the BSL Scholarship Fund to help West Philadelphia high school seniors further their education.