IC News

International and domestic students rocked the runway with outfits from around the world, representing their cultures and communities during Inter-Fashional Night, hosted by The Ithaca College International Club on March 24.

Countries represented during the show included Myanmar, India, Bulgaria, Greece, Brazil, Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria. Looks ranged from traditional wear to contemporary takes on more traditional fashion of the country they represented. Some students even incorporated a mixture of both and represented multiple countries.

Bryan Wood ’22, co-president of the International Club, explained that the night creates an opportunity for connection between students and allows them to celebrate and embrace differences.

“It’s a way for us to showcase that even though we are all human beings and we’re all college students, we all have our own differences, and it’s important for us to acknowledge those differences and come together to build a community,” he said.

The night also featured musical and dance performances, and activities like geographical trivia, a dance off, and a dance party. To go with the night’s theme of an international cocktail party, a variety of mocktails and appetizers ranging from different cultures were available.

Jaqueline Pereira ’25, who is from Brazil, took part in the show. She wore a Brazilian soccer jersey and shared a fun fact about the country. When she wasn’t on the runway, she was enjoying the festivities of the night, as it allowed her to learn about other cultures.

“I like this cultural exchange,” she said. “It’s one of the reasons why I came to the United States, because I wanted to explore new cultures. This event has a lot of people from different countries, and that’s why I wanted to take part. I loved it. I was not expecting it to be honest. It exceeded my expectations. It was fun, the food was good, and the people were nice.”

Gabe Morel ’22 appreciated the event’s recognition of the various cultures that are reflected in the student body.

“Being a person of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, it’s important that different cultures be brought to light at a predominately white institution,” he said. 

Shevori Gene ’23 and Kinza Ceesay ’22, served as the night’s emcees, leading activities, and posing questions to the models so the audience could learn more about the country being represented and the fashion.

Mikayla Tolliver ’24, felt that this element made the show more informative than a conventional fashion show.

“I liked that the models got to pose in the outfits and the emcees would ask them about their home country and about their culture, so we got a moment to take in the outfits and hear about their culture and their background,” she said.

As for the performances that were put on, club member Anna Pimentel ’25 performed a few Brazilian songs on the guitar. Other performances included a belly dancing performance from Cornell’s Teszia Belly Dance Troupe and a hip-hop dance performance from the IC student group, Pulse.

“Just knowing that people in Ithaca have these amazing talents like belly dancing is really great to see, especially seeing it up close and in person,” Tolliver said.