NU walks down runway for 'A Night in New York City'

Students putting together a fashion show in hopes of bringing the community together

by Julian Ekeze

Special to NFP

The student body at Niagara University is buzzing about its upcoming first fashion show, "A Night in New York City," which will take place Nov. 21 at the Castellani Art Museum.

"We are really looking to bring the community together and show a different side of the city," Niagara University junior Simone Beckford said.

The show is being put on through the office of multicultural affairs, and is headed by Beckford, with all of the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Falls.

"I was part of a Boys and Girls Club when I was growing up, so I wanted to put something together that would be like giving back. Not just to (the) club, but also to the community in general," Beckford said.

Though NU is putting on the show, it will include nearby Niagara County Community College, SUNY Buffalo State, as well as Niagara Falls community members.

A cocktail party from 6:30-8 p.m. precedes the show. The show runs from 8-10 p.m. An afterparty follows from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. with refreshments and music.

There is a sense of genuine excitement about the show and there has been a fair amount of promotion from the student body. "It is something that I am really looking forward to. I think that it is a great idea and a great way to bring everyone together, which is why I am doing my best to get the word out. I would encourage a lot of people to come; it will be a fun time," Niagara University sophomore Matthew Ferguson said.

The show will feature designer "The Grunge Project" from SUNY Buffalo State.

"I'm excited about it all. There is us, the community, Buff State and NCCC all being brought together. Oh, and plus, you get to look at some really nice clothes," Niagara University sophomore Jacqueline Porras said.

Tickets are being distributed by the university and are $3 for Niagara University students and $15 for the general public; all ages are encouraged to attend.

"At the end of the day, this is about bringing people together. We want the community to feel a part of the university, and the university to feel a part of the community," Beckford said. She estimates at least 200 people will be in attendance.

More information can be found through the school's website, www.niagara.edu.