Manchester International Fashion Show offers ‘New Beginnings’
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Manchester University’s commitment to celebrating diversity will be on full display at this year’s International Fashion Show, “New Beginnings,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov.17 in Cordier Auditorium.
With the recent dedication of the new Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center, there is renewed excitement within the Office of Multicultural Affairs regarding the event.
Organizers say the “New Beginnings” title stemmed from not just the new Intercultural Center, but the new students participating, new cultures represented, and new concepts and ideas worked into the show.
Michael Dixon, chief diversity officer and director of Intercultural Services, explained that the show itself is a biennial event, and the approach taken and those involved in 2018 are much different than those in years past.
Student Director Delina Tewelde said many clubs across campus will be represented in the show: the Asian Awareness Association, Black Student Union, Hispanos Unidos, United Sexualities and Genders, African Student Association and Manchester University International Association.
Dixon emphasized the show’s ability to help audience members better understand other parts of the world.
“Fashion is an integral part of culture. When you understand why people wear certain attire for certain events, why certain colors and fabrics are important, then you understand more about a person’s culture,” he said.
Tewelde added that many of the show’s pieces will be worn in a less traditional fashion, because students wished to style much of the clothing more modernly. Tewelde noted that for many students the fashion show is an opportunity to proudly display their heritage through dress, and for others it is a chance to see these fashions worn in an appropriate environment, “free of appropriation.”
Much of the clothing worn in this year’s show is donated by Ed and Martha Miller – who both taught at Manchester and have traveled the world extensively, Tewelde said. Ed Miller launched the Medical Practicum at Manchester and Martha founded the nonprofit One World Handcrafts in North Manchester.
Students, faculty and staff also lend traditional clothing for use in the show.
This free show is open to the public and is part of Manchester’s Values, Ideas and the Arts series. For more information, please visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs at www.manchester.edu/multicultural.
About Manchester
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., is a northeast Indiana leader in health science education. It offers more than 60 areas of academic study to nearly 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu .
Press release prepared by Maddy Minehart, a student assistant in the Office of Strategic Communications.
November 2018