Take A Walk On The Wild Side

She's your queen to be, the image of perfection, object of your affection to quench your royal fire," the song sung for Prince Akeem's wedding from the 1988 comedy film Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy, was the opening of the fashion show on Friday, April 17. The University Activities Board (UAB) executive members, President Scott Ramos, junior business marketing and communications double major, and Vice President Chantaya King, junior social work major, greeted the crowd inside Wilkins Theatre as the lights darkened and the curtains opened to display the beautifully illustrated back drop African safari scene. The commanding beats of the African drums introduced the dance performance that captured the audience's soul and attention. The women dancers were defiant with their bodies, moving to the beat with leopard fabric wrapped around their waists. After the dance performance, the first set of fashion designs by Donna Byrd were presented. The fabulous models, both professional and Kean University students, walked down the runway in Donna Byrd's creations of pink animal print maxi dresses and metallic animal print tops. The music, provided by DJ Intell, was in tune to the model's tightly wound spiral curled afros, which ranged from dark brown to ginger, bouncing from side to side as they strolled gracefully down the runway.

The crowd applauded and shouts of "You better work!" filled the room as Duane Fish design for men was presented. A mixture of male models with hues of brown to olive skin took control of the audience in khaki sheer hooded vests and black strait leg leather pants. African motifs and mocha caftan style shirts with twill cargo sheer pants brought smiles to those lucky women who dared to fantasize.

The lights slowly came on in time for intermission, which was badly needed for those who forgot that they came with their significant other. Many people gathered with their friends to chat while the DJ mixed some beats, entertaining the crowd. Alexia Bookmen, sophomore majoring in early childhood education states, "I was really stressed. I just finished my exam a couple of hours ago, but tonight I feel really good."

Once again the room went dark, and the crowd scattered to get into their seats. The next set of designs was from Divine Royalty by Malcolm. Beautiful baby doll dresses colored in powerful colors of red and black accentuated the models' long legs. Pink, curvy, and sleek thigh length bodice dresses with must-have elegant black pumps stormed through the runway; a look that is sure to duplicate during the spring.

The show ended with the stunning women and men "Dare Two swimwear" section, where fantastic animal prints came alive in metallic bronze and turquoise. Both men and women in the audience had a lot to blush about as the models in many shapes and sizes showcased one pieces, bikinis, and tankinis with peek-a-boo slits, while the male models sported cheetah print thongs leaving little room for imagination.. "All the women in the show are sexy. They had me feeling some type of way," laughs Rahmeel Townsend, a junior criminal justice major. The fashion show was truly a "vision of the wild". Make sure to stop and take a walk on the wild side this spring.