The African Student Association took over an evening on Saturday by taking students of Eastern back to Africa with a theatrical African fashion theme.

Julianne Adegoriolu,  president of the ASA, presented a fashion show modeling African garments with a modernized vibe. Along with the show came a mock story from the movie “Coming to America.”

The mock story follows a princess who was made by her parents to meet her suitor, but found that none of them were good enough.

The models all represented being a part of the royal family through the different textiles they wore.

They displayed styles of African fashion that were traditional, casual and royal.

The men modeled garments that showed masculinity through the fabric color symbolism.

These garments usually consisted of shiny material and vibrant hues of blue, purple, gold and white.

The male models styled in quarter length sleeved, loose-fitting tops and wide legged pants.

The outfits presented for the men matched in fabric, design and color, showing the cultures outlook on style.

The female models gave the audience seductive and honorable values through their styles.

The women’s wardrobe varied in color from bright and loud to dark and mysterious.

Female models had a natural look to match their royal African vibe.

Like the men, the women modeled matching attire, which coordinated as the complement of the men’s clothing line.

The women’s clothing line was able to switch up with mixed and matched pieces of the nights apparel.

The fashion designs were a compilation of work done by three different designers: Kaffy Couture, who specializes in making African garmented accessories; Sandii Coleman, who designs knitted African cultured tops; and Brandon Mata with his team Mada Fashion who made the evening’s casual African print tops.

African students also were willing to lend original African garments to the show as well.

Event coordinator Jalen Washington said this was one of many fashion shows that he has planned but it was the first he had done based on African culture.

“It was a beneficial learning experience, I don’t know how I would have pulled it all together if it wasn’t for my organization Couture Models’ help,” Washington said. “I liked the story line the most because I wanted it to be something that can share interest to everyone.”

Supporting parents said good job to the creators of the show and to the hosts for keeping the crowd entertained.

Hosts Asia Hall, a junior communications major, and graduate student Adekunle Adeyemo gave a new meaning to an intermission by getting a high amount of crowd participation.

During the switching of scenes in the show, the hosts had their own model walking moment, showing off their evening pieces as well. They grabbed audience members to strut their stuff on the stage and represent their nationalities.

The evening ended with a dance from dance team Rhythm and X-tacy, along with a final walk of all of the models.

Couture gave a small speech on the inspiration behind all of her accessories shown and expressed how great this opportunity was.

“I am happy I was able to share my designs this evening and give you all a new outlook on African garment,” Couture said.

Camelia Nicholson can be reached at 581-2812 or cdnicholson@eiu.edu.