Students and faculty walked the runway at an international fashion show to highlight their cultures on March 5. The event had many LOTAs proud to be able to display their customs and traditions.
During Tartan Time, Maika Walker, Director of Social Justice, organized a fashion show that was open to anyone who wanted to wear traditional clothing that would represent their culture. Students and teachers signed up to represent their heritage.
“My outfit was mostly from Arequipa, Peru,” sophomore Vanessa Condori explained.
Condori took part in the fashion show and was able to display a traditional Peruvian outfit. Other cultures in the fashion show included New Zealand, Philippines, China, Poland, and Thailand. The event has now become a tradition at Holy Cross.
“March is officially International Women’s Month so I think we found that to be a natural time and space to celebrate all international cultures and to weave in the accomplishments of women internationally,” Walker explained.
Teachers and students were able to appreciate the diversity that’s displayed during the fashion show. Since it is a tradition at the school many have already experienced seeing the fashion show for the first time, but freshmen have not.
“It’s not every day that you see the cultures that are being represented,” freshman Leah Sejismundo said. “I think it’s a cool way to show the different customs people have at Holy Cross.”
Many students do not get the chance to represent their heritage at their school, so it can feel fulfilling to be able to do that, especially in a supportive environment. Students and faculty cheered for the beautiful outfits worn on stage to show their support.
“Since we’re an all girls school who like to celebrate empowered women, this is a good time to do that,” Walker related.
Other students also sang, danced, and played traditional music from their cultures. The event displayed a variety of traditions from many cultures, which were celebrated as a community.
“I wanted to show off one style of Peru’s culture,” Condori added.
Being able to experience a fashion show with so many different cultures fostered a sense of respect for different cultures around the world. Traditional clothing varies by country so to be able to see so many on one stage was a great experience for LOTAs.
“I thought the fashion show was an amazing way to show the different cultures at our school and an awesome way for the community to support each other,” Sejismundo confirmed.
The school enables students to represent themselves freely and to not be afraid to express themselves in more creative ways. Walker has worked hard to plan the events that take place during International Week, but it is gratifying to see how so many students support each other.
“Being able to help create a space for students to experience a place of celebration, identity, and acceptance is really important to me because I want everyone to get a sense of belonging,” concluded Walker.
