It's a fun and popular evening and the place to be, according to UDress publisher, junior Natalie Bartos. Last year's event drew approximately 700 people, and this year, the student organizers are hoping for an even larger turnout.
The evening begins with a pre-party, sponsored by boutiques, salons and local businesses in the region. There will be approximately 30 tables where attendees can learn about companies, purchase merchandise, watch demonstrations and receive free prizes and giveaways. Raffle tickets will be available, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that promotes the independence of disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire and a support network.
There also will be live entertainment from local bands and complimentary refreshments will be served.
The highlight of the evening is the runway show, organized and produced by UD students. More than 10 area boutiques will showcase their fall merchandise, using student models.
UDress is affiliated with the international nonprofit organization, Dress for Success, and they are teaming up for an accessories drive at the pre-party when attendees will be invited to donate gently used jewelry, handbags, scarves and other accessories before the fashion show. Participants will receive a complimentary raffle ticket. Dress for Success representatives will be present to provide information on how to become involved with the organization.
Founded in 2006, UDress is a fashion-based student organization. Senior Heather Lumb, a fashion merchandising major with a minor in journalism, is president and editor-in-chief of the magazine, and she and Bartos work closely together. “We are very excited that the magazine is ready to go to press at Graphic Communications,” she said.
“There are about 100 students working on the magazine. We start before school opens when the writers come up with ideas and story maps. What I look for are features that are cutting edge and new,” Lumb said. “We have a few general meetings with everyone attending and special ones for editors, photographers, layout artists, advertising and public relations, and I try to attend them all. As the deadline approached, I had the busiest and craziest week of my life.”
Photo by Duane Perry
Bartos is a marketing major with a minor in international business, and she said working on UDress has been a learning, hands-on experience.
“When I first started, I felt a little uncomfortable dealing with businesses and clients, but now I really enjoy it. The magazine, the pre-party and the fashion show are a way for businesses to become known to UD students and others on campus, and I work with boutiques and businesses from Greenville to Rehoboth,” she said.
During Winter Session, Bartos will focus on her minor of international business and take courses in Eastern Europe and is excited about studying abroad.
Lumb had an internship with an online magazine Aroundphilly.com. After graduation from UD, she said she plans to head west and with her background and experience with UDress and Aroundphilly, she hopes to get a job on an independent magazine in California.
Tickets for the UDress event may be purchased in advance Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 5-7, in the kiosk of the Trabant University Center and at other locations on campus and are $5 for students and $9 for others. At the door, tickets are $7 for students and $11 for others.
For more information on UDress Magazine, go to [www.udressmag.com].
