FADS returns to the runway with live nature-themed show

Tareaz began her setlist with an upbeat cover of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” followed by her original song “So Good.” Her rich vocals filled the room as the audience cheered her on. Her music inspired authenticity and empowerment, just like her onstage personality. Her boldness and creativity merged with the show’s ambiance.

As soon as Tareaz finished her set, Outlaws Dance Troupe, SU’s first and only all hip-hop dance team, performed for the audience. The dance break elevated the show with a soothing twist as the dancers moved their bodies like water, creating beautiful silhouettes.

Outlaws danced to the relaxing sounds of guitar strings, harps, and angelic humming. The choreography set the tone for the evening, and the fashion started immediately after the performance ended.

Biotic Wonders featured 51 different looks with each garment displaying unique detailing and personality. The models walked at a slow pace, giving the audience enough time to take in the garments. They wore carefully-fitted pieces of elegant design produced with upcycled materials from hand-woven baskets to plastic. Some of the models’ faces were decorated with rhinestones while others sported bold eyeshadow looks.

“The designers have been working on their clothes all semester,” said James Goudie, one of the models featured in Biotic Wonders.

Goudie, an international relations and French senior, is a self-proclaimed fashion fanatic. He made his runway debut at Biotic Wonders, bringing power to garments designed by Zoe Boise.

“Whenever I put on an outfit that makes me feel like more of who I am, it itself can bring confidence. So whenever I walk, even just to class or on the catwalk, I try to present that confidence,” Goudie said.

The models walked the runway barefoot, physically connecting their bodies to the earth to further the significance of the natural theme.

Ares Taylor and Bailey Davis, model coaches for FADS, explained their vision for the show when working with models.

“What if we had them walk barefoot? It’s well associated with being down-to-earth and being grounded,” Taylor said. “So much work and stress and love went into this show so I’m glad it turned out well,” Davis said.

Television, radio and film junior Hayley Lopez remarked on her experience attending Biotic Wonders.

“It was the coolest thing ever, just even from an artist’s perspective who has no knowledge on fashion. It was so great to appreciate and see the running theme of it throughout. I felt like I was in a trance with the music; everything was very much tied together,” Lopez said.

Another attendee, engineering sophomore Mazin Moia, also shared his positive experience from the show.

“The show was just brilliant,” Moia said. “I have never had a history with fashion before, but, after today, I’m stunned. It was just elegant and sophisticated. All of the minor details, even down to the blinking, was so composed and controlled. Everyone knew exactly what they were doing, and it just made for a beautiful atmosphere and a beautiful show.”