While studying abroad in Italy, Alana Barnett became inspired by the Boboli Gardens’ delicate and elegant landscape. The gardens provided the inspiration for Barnett’s “Giardino,” a black lace gown with a flowing train. The senior in apparel, merchandising and design won second place and the people’s choice award at Sigma Kappa sorority’s fourth annual Ultraviolet Fashion Show.

The show took place from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 18 in Hach Hall and featured 18 student-submitted designs, as well as designs from local boutiques Portobello Road and Nekia Marie Boutique. Abigail Jones and Ashley De Haan were in charge of planning this year’s event.

“Our goal for the show is to show off all of our wonderful designers, raise money for a great cause and provide a fun and fashionable night out,” said Jones, senior in apparel, merchandising and design. 

Designs in colors of purple, maroon, black, white and silver stole the show as models from Sigma Kappa strutted down the runway, the designs illuminated by the bright glow of violet lights. There was also an auction prior to the show.

The chairwomen said proceeds will go to the Sigma Kappa Foundation, where the funds are distributed to the sorority’s philanthropies which are Inherit the Earth and the Maine Sea Coast Mission and other interests such as research for gerontology and Alzheimer’s disease.

While fashion isn’t always viewed as a vehicle for change, Eulanda Sanders, a judge for the event and professor in apparel, events and hospitality management, said the event combined fashion and philanthropy.

“It’s really nice to see students use their skills in fashion to give back to the community,” Sanders said.

Among this year’s fashion show winners were Barnett, Karl Fleener and Hannah Ross. Fleener, senior in apparel, merchandising and design, won first place with her white midi dress covered in white and purple ruffles. Ross, senior in event management, won first place in the art pieces category for “Shoulder Chain,” a chain-link necklace secured around the neck and one shoulder. The art piece category was new to the show this year, Jones said.

Ross said “Shoulder Chain” is a tribute to her personal style and encourages experimentation in fashion.

“I like to design jewelry pieces that I can’t find in the stores, so I chose to design a piece that was edgy, eye-catching and bold to match my sense of style,” Ross said. “I want people to have fun creating new and bold looks.”

Ross said her early exposure to art and her mother’s creation of art and jewelry inspired her to design her own jewelry.

“We took a glass bead class together when I was 10 years old and part of the class was learning how to turn the beads into rings, necklaces and bracelets,” Ross said. “I was instantly hooked and I’ve been creating pieces ever since.”

Sharon Wirth, a judge for the event and professor in apparel, events and hospitality management, advised students to hone in on skills obtained through apparel, merchandising and design courses to succeed in next year’s fashion show. She also encouraged students to remain motivated.

“Be persistent and go for it,” Wirth said.

The Sigma Kappa fashion show helped Dalton Taylor, now a fashion merchandising management student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, build the confidence and drive needed to succeed in future endeavors. Taylor placed third at the 2013 Ultra Violet show before going on to apply at FIT.

“The show and design process gave me the confidence I needed to really go all out in everything that I did last year and this year as well,” Taylor said. “To finally be able to put a design-related item on my resume was huge for me.”