Traditional kimono, saris, belly dancing and dandiya ryas are all part of the formula for the upcoming Multicultural Fashion Show, set for this Saturday, Nov. 19.
The Multicultural Show is more than just a fashion show, though. This production, organized by ETSU’s Multicultural Affairs, displays traditional dances, talents, food and artifacts, as well as traditional clothing from a variety of countries to provide a small glimpse into what different cultures represent.
Between 30 and 40 people will be offering those glimpses into diverse heritages at this year’s show. One of those individuals Bhavika Govan, a third- year member of the fashion show committee and ETSU student from Gujarat, India, will be modeling a hand-embroidered sari that is traditionally worn to weddings and parties.
“It means a lot for us to know people are interested and want to learn,” said Govan. “It’s our culture and represents who we are. That is why it means so much to share that with people.”
Helping people understand the differences in each culture and appreciate that difference was the driving force behind the first annual Multicultural Fashion Show in 2001.
Now the fourth annual show is approaching and the multicultural affairs office and a committee of students have been working hard to bring a new and exciting show this year. “Our goal every year is to bring a new show, so that people who attend each year see something new,” said director of multicultural affairs Laura Terry.
The multicultural fashion show has expanded out to more cultures since its inception, causing one organization to collaborate with multicultural affairs, the honorary society of fashion design program Kappa Omicron Nu, Terry said.
Each year more students are participating in the show. “Any student can be in the show,” Terry said. “We put up fliers at the beginning of the fall semester letting people know about the interest meeting.”
This meeting gives students a chance to see how they would like to participate or help in the show. No matter if you are African American, Caucasian, Indian, Asian or any other culture, you can represent your own culture as well as others in the fashion show.
Even though the participants for this year’s show are already picked, you can still participate as an audience member.
The Multicultural Fashion Show will be at 7 p.m. Saturday in the D.P. Culp Center auditorium. Admission is free for students and the community.
For more information about the multicultural affairs or the fashion show, stop by the SORC on the first floor of the Culp Center.

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