For their first fashion show of the year, GLAM modeling used their organization as a voice to bring awareness to the issues of domestic violence, breast cancer and LGBTQA prejudices.

Kendall Jackson, president of GLAM modeling, initially wanted the show to be dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

“I wanted to do something to give back, and I remembered it was breast cancer awareness month, but an all pink fashion show would not have been good,” Jackson said. “I wanted to do something out-of-the-box by putting all three in one.”

Dim lighting, spotlights and surround-sound playing Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” set the tone for the models opening up the domestic violence scene.

A female model dressed in black and white with a red accent-patterned scarf posed with a male model complimenting her with black and white attire in the middle of the stage.

Their movements depicted a relationship where the male was dominant with attacking stances and angry expressions while the women showed fear through insecure poses.

The U-shaped runway extending from the stage gave models space to act out the relationship together, walk away separately, then meet in the middle and exit alone.

A common misconception is that only males are the abusers in relationships; however, they showed a couple with a female model taking a dominant role by walking in front of a male model, physically hurting him and acting out arguments.

“My favorite part was domestic violence; it was portrayed very well. You could tell they knew what they were talking about and showed what really goes on,” said Joniqua Sanders, a freshman theater arts major.

Breast cancer awareness was broken into two separate parts. The first part showcased how patients react to being diagnosed with breast cancer while the second part was dedicated to survivors who fought the illness.

Five models anchored the stage by striking poses of black and white attire with accents of pink and green.

The majority of the models were couplets or singles and represented the breast cancer theme by touching or covering their breasts.

Jackson encouraged audience members to get mammograms to detect the illness early on.

He also explained that cancer affects people differently, with reactions ranging from hiding it in a state of denial to putting all their strength in fighting.

Women models bared all using just their arms and hands to cover their chest with ripped jeans and shorts.

The models’ confidence compensated for their lack of tops, showing the pride of all the victims who stay positive and are ready to fight another day.

Kristin Jackson, a GLAM model, said she had her nerves under control.

“I was very relaxed because I had supporters in the crowd, and president Kendall practiced us enough so I knew I was not going to mess up,” she said.

Several models wore all shades of pink, ranging from after-five attire to business casual outfits, all showing the models’ individual style and personality.

“My favorite look was at the end. It was a black jacket, white blouse, and hot pink shorts with black, studded sunglasses,” said Miracle Jones, a freshman journalism major. “I liked how the model wore it; she was very confident. I liked her walk.”

This first fashion show is reflective of GLAM members revamping their organization.

Jackson said the group has reconstructed GLAM to be more like a family than just an organization.

“We are truly a family away from home, so if the models don’t think they have a strong family unit, GLAM can provide that for them,” he said.

Kalyn Hayslett can be reached at 581-2812 or kehayslett@eiu.edu.