Creating a diverse community through fashion

International Student Association (ISA)hosted an International Fashion Show on May 3 in William Philip Hall in order to provide students with opportunities to interact with different cultures. When ISA is not busy with putting on this fabulous event, they help international students to develop familiarity with, feel welcome by, and adapt to American culture through offering peer support.

The theme of this year’s fashion show was space travel because, “travel from one planet to another is similar to travelling from one country to another,” said ISA student advisor Dickson (Tik Sang) Kwong.  The event featured several modern and traditional fashions from China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, India, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Africa.

During intermission DaYoung Jeon gave an incredible performance of “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion. Between another model showcase there was a dance performance by Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin. During another intermission DaYoung Jeon gave an incredible performance of “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion.

ISA had been preparing for this event since February. MCs, Anthony DiLeonardo and Thomas Nguyen provided out of this world commentary.

Sam (Man Sang) Cheng directed the fashion show by gathering models and volunteers, coordinating decorations, and collecting donations from local area businesses. His efforts combined with other ISA volunteers raised over $350 dollars worth of gift cards for the fashion show raffle. The models were from UW Tacoma, Wilson High School, Tacoma Community College, and Stadium High School. The new International Student Adviser and Recruiter for the Milgard Business School, Jonathan Dietzen’s children, Evie and Cole, also modeled fashions for America.

UW Tacoma graduate Sarah Rogers coordinated fashions for the show. Rogers collects fashions from different time periods and countries.

Yuen Shan Chan and Ying Chun Lam helped Kwong and Cheng hand make all the decorations, which were some of the cutest aliens ever to visit William Philip Hall.

During the opening speech, Director of Student Involvement Ed Mirecki talked about the importance of the Invisible Children project. 30% of the proceeds from the fashion show raffle are being donated to help bring an end to the use of children as soldiers.