Fashion offers an escape from the mundane routine of everyday life and provides a powerful form of self-expression to stylists and students alike. The Fashion Industries Organization’s “Corporate Catwalk” event proved professionalism is an evergreen and ever important aspect of any closet.

The annual fashion show welcomed audiences with warm lighting and ambiance. This year, FIO introduced a V.I.P reception hour before the show in the Regency Ballroom, allowing faculty and industry professionals to mingle.

Joanna Kline, senior fashion merchandising major, explained the style of the show as a fresh, trendy take on business professional.

“Students can expect more colors, [as] maroon is a heavily featured color this year,” Kline said. “We’ve also taken a new approach to neutral colors. They don’t have to be the traditional nude and beige. More colors, more patterns and more variety.”

The collection dazzled audiences with a broad color palette and options for dressing corporate while still looking chic. There was a refreshing mixture of styles for both men and women, with colors and styles that flattered varying skin tones and body types.

Elaina McGee, junior fashion merchandising major, designed three outfits, including her own, with a focus on unconventional patterns and subtle, traditional staples of business casual dress.

“I chose my models first and designed the outfits around them,” McGee said. “It’s very important to consider [things like] skin tone and body type when picking outfits.” McGee’s looks featured high-waisted navy blue slacks, slim-cut blazers and bold accessories.

Stylists drew inspiration from their models and their own opinions of professionalism.

“The way you present yourself is so important [because] it’s the first thing people see when they look at you,” said Kline. “College students don’t put a lot of stock into their appearance, but first impressions are so important, especially in the corporate world.”

Junior marketing major Mina Awad said he saw the show as an opportunity to practice his professional demeanor and sample outfits he wouldn’t have ordinarily selected.

“I enjoy dressing professionally, so when I saw an ad for models, I thought it would be a fun time,” Awad said. “There is a big market for male business clothing, and I think it really depends on who finds [which] style interesting.”

The event was more than a fashion show — it was an inspiration to students and faculty alike. FIO proved the work week can be classy without compromising chic.