Creative concoctions of tulle, taffeta and chiffon floated down three separate runways at the Black Student Union Fashion Show on Friday.

“I invite you to a night of dreams. Welcome to the unpredictable,” the emcee screamed over the crowd as the lights flashed and the music began pounding.

The opening included models in nude bodysuits, towering heels and denim vests as they strutted down the runway and danced for the crowd.

Latarius Ferguson, a junior marketing major, said the experience of participating in the fashion show has changed how much he wants to be involved on campus.

“This experience has really opened me up to a lot of new things,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson, co-host of the event, said he was able to see a lot of the behind-the-scenes issues that came up during the show.

Ferguson said he saw a lot of “ripping and running” when the models would change in a frenzy into their next outfit.

A lot of the people involved with the show were stressed out about the event, but Ferguson said once the people involved stepped back, took it in, and trusted that it would all fall together, they were able to relax more, Ferguson said

“I think it was a great experience. It gave us a lot of really great exposure,” Ferguson said.

The event featured different scenes with collections inspired by various subjects such as tribal and ballet inspired styles.

Each designer created their own scene and set the mood with music, lights and choreography.

Shamerea Richards, a freshman chemistry major, said this was her first time being involved with BSU’s fashion show.

Richards said she was asked to join the fashion show as part of the opening number with her dance group, Rhythm and Xtacy.

The opening number included Richards dancing with other models and dancers in four inch heels, nude bodysuits and denim vests.

Richards said it took three weeks to learn the choreography and as part of the Eastern modeling organization G.L.A.M., Richards said she had a lot of practice in heels.

Even though she was only in the opening number, Richards said she stayed to watch the show.

“I thought the event was very well planned and organized,” Richards said. “A lot of great minds organized it and every designer had a vision and they brought it through.”

Danielle Gadus, an 8th grader in Charleston, said she came to the event to support a friend.

“I think the clothes are really cute,” Gadus said. “I think it is refreshing to see something that is not overalls.”

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.