PINK walks the runway for Middle Way House

Pulsing beats and PINK pullovers filled Alumni Hall on Thursday during “This Is How I Pink,”a fashion show planned and run by Victoria’s Secret’s PINK campus representative interns to benefit Middle Way House, Bloomington’s domestic violence shelter.

Admission was a toiletry or clothing donation for the charity.

The show started with a performance by the Off Beat IU Greek Dance Team, clad in pink T-shirts and tank tops. As the lights dimmed, the dancers jumped off the stage and were replaced by models.

IU students walked the runway modeling fashions from PINK’s Collegiate Collection and local vendors Cha Cha, InSeam Denim and Cactus Flower.

The audience tapped their feet to the music provided by the event’s co-sponsor, WIUX.
Intern and junior Lizzy Gerard managed the wardrobe changes backstage.

Impressions Salon South provided the models with makeup and hairstyling free of charge for the event.

The models took a final walk on the runway together to the cheers of the audience.
“We thank you so much for supporting Middle Way House,” intern Mary Deneen said to the audience after the finale. “Your donations will be greatly appreciated.”

Attendees browsed the WIUX, PINK and College Fashionista promotional tables.

Junior Danielle Boardman of WIUX ran a table giving away tote bags and PINK coupons to those who brought a donation. A laptop was also available to register online for PINK Nation, Victoria’s Secret’s online program that offers discounts and updates about the PINK brand.

Style Gurus from College Fashionista, a college blog offering style advice and fashion updates, offered free mirrors and the opportunity to subscribe to the blog. They also photographed attendees as they entered. Amy Levin, College Fashionista’s founder, said photos of the best dressed will be featured online.

Denen said she did not know what to expect but was happy with the turnout.
“I was so nervous,” said junior Alyce Bryant, one of the models. “It was really fun, though, and I thought it turned out really well.”

The audience walked away with a pink goody bag filled with a compact mirror provided by College Fashionista, a coupon for PINK’s Collegiate Collection and a flyer for WIUX’s upcoming pledge drive.

Though many considered the show a success, donations were less than anticipated.
“I think we raised a good amount of donations, but I think we raised students’ awareness about Middle Way House even more,” Deneen said.

Sophomore Dina Chipiga said she thought the interns did a really good job putting the show together.

 “The runway and the music and Off Beat and the pink lights looked spectacular,” Deneen said.  I was really happy that all the seats were filled.”