Students in fashion spotlight

Students rehearse for the UIC Fashion Show, held at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday at the UIC Forum. Photo: K&N Media

More than 70 UIC students will strut down the runway Friday, modeling clothes from a variety of Chicago-area boutiques and designers in the 33rd annual UIC Fashion Show.

The show will be presented twice at the UIC Forum. The 2 p.m. show is free; admission for the 8 p.m. show is $5 for students, $7 others.

Following the theme of “Made in Chicago: Lights, Camera, Fashion,” all the scenes will reflect the city’s highlights, such as O’Hare International Airport, the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, downtown shopping, nightlife and more.

Models were chosen during auditions in January that included an interview and a runway walk. They have been rehearsing every other Saturday since February.

“Standing in 5-inch heels for seven hours at practice is definitely worth this amazing experience,” said sophomore Aleksandra Aluzas, a model in the show.

“I couldn’t be happier with the people I have met and how hard we have worked to put this amazing show together.”

The student-run event takes a lot of planning and dedication, but participants say the results are rewarding.

“Students learn many out-of-the-classroom leadership skills by participating in such a large event. The UIC Fashion Show fosters a strong sense of community as the students involved represent the diversity of the population on campus,” said fashion show adviser Sladjana Grbic, assistant program director in Campus Programs.

grusse2@uic.edu