University of Georgia modeling agency BOLD to host first runway show
Image Courtesy: @boldatuga via Instagram
BOLD will host their first student runway show on Friday at the Memorial Park Grand Hall, an event that will showcase student-made designs inspired by punk and anti-establishment fashion movements.
BOLD is a University of Georgia affiliated modeling agency that aims to support and uplift minority voices through fashion. Known for planning and executing photoshoots, BOLD takes a leap not only by hosting their first fashion show, but also by collaborating with other UGA-affiliated fashion organizations.
Diego Quiroz, a senior at UGA and the president of BOLD, said what makes Runway Riot different from other fashion shows is the diversity of people participating in the show.
“FDSA has a few people designing for our show, and SMA and Strike also have some stylists designing,” Quiroz said. “Everyone will be able to see different takes on the show’s theme from people who come from different backgrounds. That’s very exciting.”
Aside from stylists, BOLD’s runway show will also feature student models from The Agency, as well as creative direction from students in SMA and FDSA.
Runway Riot’s official theme is neo-punk. Inspired by the 70s punk movement and 90s grunge era, Quiroz was at the forefront of creating the show and establishing its theme. When introduced to fashion, he loved hearing about different cultures’ influences on European fashion movements.
American rock musician and feminist Kim Gordon wears this t-shirt, hoping to introduce people to obstacles women in punk must face. The original picture was taken in 1996 by photographer Stephen Sweet. | Image Courtesy: Instagram
“When you think about punk, you think about white people,” Quiroz said. “That correlation is kind of ingrained in a lot of people’s minds. But to me, even when I see [BOLD’s] members, a lot of them are inspired by goth and punk.”
This realization allows Quiroz to be open to different cultural influences on punk, particularly designers like Jun Takahashi, the designer of Undercover, and Takahiro Miyashita, the designer of Number (N)ine. These designers inspired Quiroz to establish the theme for Runway Riot.
Japanese designer, Jun Takahashi, poses for an interview with the Business of Fashion. Takahashi is the designer and founder of Undercover, a Japanese brand known for its influence on street culture and punk. | Image Courtesy: Business of Fashion
“They were my favorite designers at the time,” Quiroz said. “They were very influenced by punk, and just learning more about these designers led me to bring up this idea for the show…punk is a very do-it-yourself movement, and it can be displayed in any way. It doesn’t have to be this Eurocentric kind of view because it has spanned across other cultures.”
BOLD’s creative director, Jayla Smith, also recognizes the power in diverse perspectives and cultures, hence her excitement for the upcoming show.
“BOLD values people of different ethnicities and backgrounds,” Smith said. “Anything that I feel like that can show through as punk rock for this show, break away from societal norms, and be creative within ourselves as minorities is fair game for the show.”
One of BOLD’s biggest goals for this show is to establish themselves as a creative organization. Since they’re collaborating with other UGA fashion organizations, BOLD is building off that bond to network and grow their organization.
“The biggest thing is to know who BOLD is,” Diego said. “This is the first event we ever hosted, and we want to get our name out there.”
Along with gaining more of a following, BOLD recognizes this is an opportunity for students to work on their craft and establish themselves as fashion creatives.
“We simply want to help highlight different creatives at UGA,” said Sydnee Eubanks, BOLD’s stylist. “Everybody involved gets to build their portfolio and gain experience.”
The runway show runs from 7:30-8:30 p.m., and tickets are $5. For more information about Runway Riot, click here.
A graphic made by BOLD to promote their runway show. Image Courtesy: Instagram
Strike Out,
Shelby Wingate
Editor: Gianna Rodriguez
Athens