Carleton University students walked the runway on campus Thursday, strutting in vibrant cultural clothing to the rhythm of music from around the world.
They were showcasing their traditional clothing for a fashion show held by Carleton University Students’ Association’s Racialized and International Students’ Experience Centre, held for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show was the largest event of Mosaic week, an annual celebration of students’ cultures and creativity.
“The fashion show is to showcase cultural attire and create a platform where cultural expression meets contemporary style,” said Kiara Gibbs-Cawker, the centre’s coordinator.
Gibbs-Cawker added that Mosaic week, including the fashion show, are meant to send a message of community and empowerment.
“Representation matters,” she said. “People deserve to be celebrated in such a visible way.”
Mykhailo Shastko, the language and culture director of the Carleton Ukrainian Students’ Club, said he walked the runway showcasing tattoos inspired by Ukrainian embroidery.
“It was important to show the beautiful side of our culture. A lot of what people associate Ukraine with right now is war,” Shastko said. “We want to show our human side.”
Ada Emuwa, a third-year architecture student, modelled for the Eritrean-Ethiopian Students’ Association, wearing a white dress and shawl with gold stripes and a gold headpiece. She said modelling the outfit, a “mix of modern and traditional Ethiopian clothing,” was empowering.
Emuwa said she participated to see people show off their cultures, fostering open-mindedness and non-conformity.
“Hopefully, we get to a point where it becomes standard to see people in their cultural wear.”
Sara Tampu, the Azerbaijani Students’ Association vice-president of events, said she was excited to teach people about Azerbaijani culture. Her club showcased dolls modelling traditional clothing from the Caucasus.
“Our country is not known that much in the world,” she said. “I want to introduce everyone to Azerbaijanis and get recognition.”
Tampu said she enjoyed learning about other cultures and appreciating their similarities and differences.
“In these events, I feel less homesick. I can build a community and find people who are like-minded.”
Muriel Jimenez, the president of the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American and Caribbean Students, said the show’s promotion of representation and inclusion is important in a Canadian context.
“Everyone deserves a space to show where they’re from and what makes them happy,” she said.
Jimenez added that, as an immigrant, cultural events like the fashion show nurture a sense of belonging.
“This allows students to see their community so that they can connect. They can find their home away from home,” she said.
Shastko said models were already planning how they would participate in a future show.
“It’s important to keep doing events where people showcase part of their culture that’s special to them. It’s showing things that make us feel like our people,” he said.
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Featured image by Nicholas Verge/the Charlatan.
