The unmistakably toned, muscular physique of members of the Brown women's crew team modeling for "deconstructed: unconventional beauty, unconventional fashion," a fashion show created by Alexandrina Agloro '05, was a refreshing change from the stick-thin figures of the runway models that pervade television screens and magazines.
To an enthusiastic audience in List Art 120 Sunday night, Agloro - also a member of the crew team - unveiled her show, which she had single-handedly created, designed and directed as part of her Public and Private Sector Organizations concentration Capstone project. Describing her friends and fellow teammates as "unconventional beauties," Agloro said she hoped to deconstruct and redefine the social constructs of what it means to be a "beautiful woman" in an era when the concept of beauty is intrinsically linked to media stereotypes.
The proceeds from the show went to the not-for-profit organization Shop Well with You. Shop Well with You was set up by Brown alum Emily Spivack '00 to help women with a history of cancer improve their body image and quality of life by using clothing as a means towards wellness.
Vice President for Alumni Relations Lisa Raiola '84, who sits on the board of directors of Shop Well with You, addressed the audience before the show. Raiola, who has had uterine cancer since 2000, was at first not going to attend because of an adverse reaction to her medication over the weekend; but she showed up in the nick of time.
Raiola spoke about the devastating effects cancer has not only on the health of sufferers, but also on their physical appearance, and consequently, on their self-esteem. "Fashion shows we know of are always materialistic and about the clothes," Raiola said. "But tonight is really about making a statement about women."
The models, resplendent in Agloro's 15 avant-garde creations, strutted up and down the aisle, treating the audience to a colorful array of materials and designs. The collection included a dress made of hundreds of pink breast cancer awareness ribbons, sewn together with pink tulle, and a funky wedding dress-inspired piece made from the pages of In Style magazine with outside stitching.
As the models sashayed through the room in pieces that showed off various parts of their powerful, athletic forms, it became clear to the audience what Agloro and Raiola meant when they spoke of "deconstructed" as much more than just the clothes that were being showcased.
"We aren't your typical runway models," rower Catherine Starr '05 said, laughing. "We have muscles! But we really had so much fun tonight."
"Alex is extremely talented," said Morgan Baylis '05.5. "The show captured all facets of 'unconventional,' from the clothes, to the models ... it was amazing."
Wearing one of her own creations, Agloro received a standing ovation at the end.
"I had dreams of attending art school when I was a high school student to study fashion design, but art school didn't happen because I chose to come to Brown," Agloro said. "But I never relinquished that aspiration to be a fashion designer."
For a cause such as this, it surely is a good thing that she didn't.
