A Fashion Trip Around the World

The International Student Union, Taiwanese Student Association, Korean Student Association, Indo-American Club, Vikings, and CHATS sponsored the fashion show. Most of the models rented their traditional clothing, but a number of them brought in beautiful and personal pieces from their homeland. Students who attended the show were able to observe the vibrant colors and lovely design features of the international clothing modeled by Post students. Onlookers cheered as the models walked across the stage.

Saki Matsumoto, a junior Public Relation major from Japan, danced a traditional dance called ‘Nihon-Buyo’ with other Japanese students. They showcased “Yukata,” a traditional Japanese cloth. “It was so tight I couldn’t breathe,” Matsumoto said of the outfit. “But I had fun being on stage and dancing. I was proud representing Japanese culture.”

Leslie Bai, director of Asian Student Affairs in the Office of International Student Services, said that she was proud of the students. “It was really run by student clubs, and it was those groups that took on the project. We basically just advise [them] and listen to their concerns.” Bai said that the participating students did a great job with the show despite time constraints. “I [hope] to watch this show again [for the] next International Cultural Week, maybe [in a] bigger room and with more models.”

Jerome Warden, a graduate Theatre student, enjoyed the showcase. Warden is from Texas, and did not have interactions with many internationals before he came to Post. “It was a great show, well organized,” Warden said. “I think it is very important to see different cultures here at LIU Post. I hope [the event continues to grow].”

Stephanie Trieu, a sophomore Health Science major, is the president of the International Student Union. “I was a little nervous since many people would be comparing the first show to this one,” said Trieu. “The first International Fashion Show was in the Pioneer Room last spring, which was successfully done. There were a lot of high expectations, but for ISU and its affiliates, we also had a great deal of fun.”

Trieu will be graduating this May, and reflected on her time as president of ISU: “Running [the club] as an American student was both difficult yet rewarding. There were many cultural and language barriers that we all had to overcome, even between the international students who came from so many different countries. However, in the end we were able to unite altogether as one community, and I will never forget the profound moments I shared with my ISU family.”

The success of the second International Fashion Show proves that LIU Post is becoming a more multicultural campus. The next ISU event at Post will be held in the fall semester during International Educational Week. For students who wish to join ISU, contact post-isu@my.liu.edu, or attend a club meeting Thursdays at 1 p.m. in Hillwood, room 114.