Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Models strut the runway in sixties throwback

Surrounded by women dressed in Jackie-O inspired shift dresses, pillbox hats and dainty white gloves; hippie-esque white crocheted tops and mod-like color-blocked shift dresses: Welcome to 1968.The Heinz History Center hosted its Vintage Pittsburgh Fashion Show Friday night, featuring vintage and clothes inspired by the 1960s. The show took place in conjunction with its “1968: The Year That Rocked America” exhibit running through May 12. Models strutted down the runway in collections by ModCloth, Hey Betty, Highway Robbery, Haute Vibe, TranquiliT Vintage-Reclaimed and Lana Neumeyer embodying fashion icons of the decade, including Twiggy and Jackie O.Before the show started at 7 p.m., guests had the chance to walk through the exhibit, where all of the older patrons exclaimed various “Oohs,” “Aahs” and “Oh! I remember that!” or “I had this growing up!” As each person’s face lit up – either from nostalgia in the older guests or amazement from the younger generations – their energy emanated through the room.A display of a college girl’s desk, the walls covered with posters of Sir Paul McCartney, Simon and Garfunkel, and anti-war and feminist messages, and a blue typewriter sitting on the desk, had a older woman feeling nostalgic. The woman gasped, “Oh my god! I remember that. I had that typewriter…If you had a typewriter back then, that was big!” Then she pulled out a vintage denim jacket with light brown suede fringe she purchased from the vintage vendors and modeled it for everyone around her.The bright colors and 60s memorabilia were the perfect set-up for the fashion show held on the fifth floor. Although the show started 10 minutes late, it was worth the wait. Emceed by Kate Benz of the Tribune-Review, each designer’s collection took their turn walking their models down the cross-like runway to hits of the 60s. All of the seats were filled and an overflow of people stood in the back of the room.ModCloth was up first, with their modstylists of all shapes and sizes acting as models. Their collection featured a plethora of cat-eye sunglasses, polka dots, and hippie-chic white crochet dresses and flower crowns. There was a theme of bright colors of orange, pink, blue and green and kitten heels. The models hammed it up and threw peace signs as they left the runway.The next collection from Hey Betty, offered a wide range of color-blocking, fur vests, gold accessories, flared sleeves and fringe. Two male models also showed off rich tapestry cropped pants and sleek blazers.Highway Robbery took to the stage next. They did their show different, having three models walk out at the same time. While it was a good idea, some of the models ended up walking into each other, or awkwardly pausing to wait for a model to pass, but the audience encouraged them through applause. The clothes were fantastic, featuring camouflage patterns, patched pants, ponchos, white gloves, pillbox hats and dress suits.Next was a unique collection from Haute Vibe, which showcased outfits from vintage pieces found in thrift stores – Goodwill, The Salvation Army and the Red, White and Blue store – mixed with modern pieces. There were maxi dresses with big floral and paisley patterns, peasant tops, lace and eyelet dresses, bright colors and patterns and a plethora of extravagant hats, silk scarves and chunky bracelets.TranquiliT Vintage-Reclaimed was the second-to-last collection to model their clothes. This collection included a lot of monochrome shift dresses, silk neck scarves, crazy hats, a mushroom patterned dress, black velvet dress and a fan-favorite, black fringe flared pants. Two models also walked in blue Grace Kelly-esque dresses.The final collection of the evening was by Brazilian designer Lana Neumeyer. Her pieces were vintage inspired with modern twists and featured tropical flower patterns, one-shouldered tops, flowing skirts, a billowy pant suit, plaid pants and an Andy Warhol dress.Overall, the collections were beautiful, and it was obvious the designers and stylists carefully crafted each outfit to transport the audience to a different time. During the show, the audience applauded as each model exited the stage, especially for the fiercer and peppier models – a girl with fiery curly red hair, a girl with short dark red hair and a cute little brunette, all knew how to pep up the audience with their smiles and facial expressions.When the show was over, everyone mingled with the models and designers and talked about how they couldn’t wait for the Vintage Mixer the next night, where all of the vendors would sell their treasured items.The evening brought back nostalgic memories for those who lived through the 60s and gave the younger generations a taste of the decade, leaving many believing they were born too late.

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