Every year the University Student Union Program Council of California State University, Long Beach holds a fashion show dedicated to showcasing independent designers. This year, I had the pleasure of attending with Lisa and Sheri for the first time. Upon arrival, we ran into our friends, Fifth Element Magazine. It was fun catching up and taking goofy pictures at their photo booth. We were also greeted by some friendly vendors with some awesome jewelry, shoes, and apparel.

What I love about the Rags II Rhythm urban couture fashion show was that everyone involved in the show was not only culturally diverse, but had models of all shapes and sizes. Being that I’m a shorty myself, it was nice to see shorties (the most vibrant models) strut their stuff down the runway. I also, loved how everyone who attended had really cute outfits on. I love running into men and women wearing fashionable attires. Viewers, we’re on the hunt! We love showcasing you and your styles. (: Below are a few photos of audience members whose style we loved! (Click to view full size)

The set up included a hotel lobby with models strutting the runway with class, attitude, and fashionable attire. The host, Alana Johnson (executive producer and directory), greeted us introducing the Rags II Rhythm 12th Annual Fashion Show with a gorgeous flowly dress, complimented with a fitting belt.

The first part of the show included pieces from Buffalo Exchange, Ana Rosales, Vanguardia Inovativa Moda (Vanguard Innovative Fashion), and Freshjive.

For those of you not familiar with Buffalo Exchange, it’s a store that allows customers to by, sell and trade new and recycled clothes. Although, I don’t shop there often, I have seen tons of cute stuff there every time I’ve visited the store.

Guests were encouraged to browse the vendors and buy Sbarro pizza during the fifteen minute intermission. After the intermission, 3 guys and 4 girls volunteered to do a catwalk down the runway for a chance to win a prize. The winner would have to be picked by the audience, the loudest cheer for the person would win. It was a good way to get the crowd more involved. The young boy stole the show and won the crowd over. It was cute. Then the second part of the fashion show included Fresh Apparel, Pooka Queen, Ezekiel, London Lux, and Downtown Darling.

Pooka Queen was interesting because her line was inspired by the aqua marine life and sea creatures. The shell headpieces were very “Lady Gaga-ish” as Lisa said. But who knows, I feel like I’d probably rock one of them. But, I do have to mention that London Lux was a personal favorite from the show. Every piece was quite flattering and I loved every item. Ezekiel men’s apparel brand really stood out to me as well. I like the vintage and 50’s feel from Downtown Darling, as you’ve probably already noticed some of us from LLL are vintage lovers. Downtown Darling also had the cutest tribal wedges, that I’m still dying to cop. Ana Rosales’ collection had pretty girly, bright colors that popped.

Everyone loves freebies! So as a token of their appreciation, the guests received complimentary bath products including: an Olay bath scrubber, a mini Pantene hair conditioner, and a Dove body mist sampled.

All in all, I had a great time. It was really interesting and I met some chill people. I had fun watching the different lines of the designers. I’m looking forward to the next fashion show.

Check out a few clips from the show below:

For more photos from the show, please check out our FB page.