A night of fashion, food, vocals, and ballet came to the UA campus Saturday night, all to raise awareness and support for the Tucson Shock Girl’s Basketball team.
“”You don’t have to have a lot of money to play for the Tucson Shock, you just have to have the desire to play basketball and to better your lives. We do work with charity, we do work to show the girls what it’s like to give back, and we help the girls who just can’t afford to do this any other way,”” said Liz O’Keefe.
Tucson restaurants like Vila Thai, Sinbad’s, Espresso Art, and Fuku Sushi catered the event, where admission and raffle tickets helped raise money for the team.
Espresso Art employee and UA freshman Taylor Kurz learned about the Tucson Shock through her work, and helped serve refreshments while taking in the fashion show.
“”I like Pitaya’s clothing; I think they are really cute. I like the uniqueness, they are really eclectic,”” said Kurz.
Pitaya’s show didn’t disappoint, with high-waisted skirts paired with fringed booties-certainly an eclectic combination of a ladylike silhouette and rugged footwear. Pitaya proved they are ready for spring with pastel colored blouses in shades of lemon, rose, and mint.
Another UA favorite, Grand Central Clothing, chose teal and coral pieces for their runway show, along with blouses and jumpers in colorful plaid prints paired with denim by William Rast and Seven for All Mankind.
Student designers from Flowing Wells High School, where many of the basketball players attend, also lent their original clothing to the runway.
“”Ever since I was little I made clothes for Barbies, so it’s always been a passion of mine. I pretty much look at anything; my sister’s dress was a sunflower inspiration,”” said Nallely Gamino, a senior who showcased miniskirts and dresses of her own design in the show.
“”(The show) was a little hectic, but it was really amazing,”” said Gamino, who will attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising this summer with hopes of becoming a clothing designer.
Between sets, dancers from the Tucson Ballet entertained the audience with a performance from Carmen and The Dying Swan.
Local designer Arturo Valenzuela closed out the night with his collection of bright, iridescent gowns and formal wear.
“”I met Arturo, who is a designer at the gallery on University,”” said senior Psychology major Sarah Hicks, who modeled Arturo’s gowns.
“”I had never done anything like this before,”” said Hicks, citing “”the nerves and the positive energy and support, and meeting totally new people,”” as her favorite part of attending the show.
