By Courtney Walsh, Staff Writer
Students got their first taste of the runway on Saturday, November 21, with the hope to raise money for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This was the University's third annual Destination Runway charity fashion show, an overnight campus sensation that brought students together from a variety of organizations on and off campus and big city fashion to the University. Former Student Government Association (SGA) president Peter F. DiSilvio founded destination Runway in 2006.
"At the time, the Student Government Association just wanted to bring the campus closer together. Being so near to New York, I'd say Hofstra is a pretty fashion savvy campus. Destination Runway Hofstra allows students of all social groups to combine their talents to make something fantastic," said DiSilvio, who made it back this year to see the show.
Each year since DiSlivio founded Destination Runway Hofstra, a different charity and theme has been selected. This year, the WWF and Urban Jungle theme were chosen.
The reason? "Because it's a jungle out there!" said SGA spirit chair, Victoria Vullo, one of the evening's hosts.
For over 45 years, the WWF has made an effort to be nature's voice and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Currently active in over 100 countries, they are supported by more than five million members globally. The WWF works every day to find a common ground between nature and human beings, hoping to find a solution that meets both parties needs.
"We hope to purchase two lions, and name them Kate and Willy." said Brian Marquis, SGA Comptroller and Vullo's co-host.
Sticking true to its theme, the runway was decked out in an elaborate set designed to duplicate the city skyline, complete with a faux subway entrance and endless strands of ivy accents.
The show's first segment had 20 of the student models strut their stuff in casual wear. Included among some of the starting ensembles were various animal printed dresses, shirts, and skirts for girls, while boys in blazers, vintage T-shirts, acid washed jeans and leather jackets flooded the stage. The next run consisted of outfits from David's Bridal, with girls flaunting cocktail-to-floor-length dresses and boys boasting neatly pressed tuxedos, all to the tremulous roar of the audience.
In between the runs, the audience was entertained by two of the University's performance groups: Danceworks and Imani Dance Ensemble.
"It took a great deal of time and effort to pull this off, we had to work closely together as a team." said Lukas Miedreich, Student Services Chairman and Contracts Manager of the event.
Miedreich worked along with Vullo, Dan Lebo, Samantha Erickson and Steve Aikens to put the event together, as well as their various sponsors, student government volunteers, community volunteers and the 48 student models.
"The final product was amazing, but we didn't end up here without doing a more than fair share bit of work." said Miedreich.
Clothing was donated by Hazard Line, Accessories, Chickey Designs, David's Bridal and Jessi Higens.
Prior to the night of the event the SGA sold a total of $1400 worth of tickets and that night an estimated $1000 more was accrued.
A student model struts down the runway during the SGA’s third annual Destination Runway. This year’s theme was “The Urban Jungle.” (Courtney Walsh/The Chronicle)