Hot off the runway

"Good morning, models." \n"Good morning, Charlie."\n"Charlie's Angels" is just one of the themed sections of this year's Alpha Kappa Alpha fashion show, 7:30 p.m. today in Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.\nSenior Nakia Redmond, co-director of the show, said AKA puts on an annual fashion show as part of its national program requirements in the arts field. In the fall, open auditions are held for models, who work the runway and strut their stuff. If chosen, the models return to learn the fashion show in which they will perform. \n"There are 35 models for the show," said Redmond. "Fifty-five tried out." \nThis year, AKA has put together a unique and entertaining fashion extravaganza, Redmond said. She and senior Fanai Croff, co-director, have spent several hours organizing what Croff said should be a "fun for everyone" show. \n"I think it will be a huge success," Croff said. "The models have been coming to practices and doing a great job. There is also a surprise in store for people during one of the intermissions."\nRedmond said during the two breaks, students such as Le Var Woods and the African American Choral Ensemble will showcase their talents.\nWoods,a senior, has been involved with AKA's fashion shows for a few years, whether it has been modeling or performing with his dance group, Intrigue.\nThis year, Woods will perform his own poetry. He will perform three poems, two by himself and one with freshman Ian Dunlap. The audience might hear Woods' poem, "Strength," about people who hate. \n"A lot of energy and feelings go into (my poems)," Woods said. "I relive the moment and try to feel the pain or act out the love."\nWoods is also known by his stage name, Uhdrinalyn, because he said he gets his "own adrenaline rush when performing" his poetry.\nWoods said no matter what you call him, one thing remains true about his feelings toward his poetry -- "It is a gift from God."\nThe African American Choral Ensemble will also perform. The ensemble has been preparing several songs, and Redmond said the ensemble hopes the audience will be interested and entertained.\nThe fashion show will contain a variety of music. Songs such as "Independent Woman" by Destiny's Child, "Justify My Love" by Madonna and songs by other artists will be among the music to which the models will stride on the catwalk.\nRedmond said the models were granted the freedom to create their own looks, but had to check their ideas with the directors.\n"There was a guideline we set and we had the models work from there," Redmond said. "We have creative outfits. We went and bought rhinestones to make our own rhinestone bras. We even bought fabric to drape over models in different and fun ways."\nCroff said the show will appeal to people with different styles because of the variety of outfits. \n"There are about seven or eight different styles," Croff said. "There will be casual, swim wear, evening wear, lingerie and the 'Charlie's Angels' theme, which is the club style."\nCroff said she is excited to display several months of work.\n"We hope tonight is going to be a big success," Croff said. "We hope to get the campus's support and have a large, diverse crowd out there. We also hope to have other greeks to come out and support us."\nThe show is free and open to the public.