Lynnell Fashion Group hosted The Runway Report last Friday night in Knight’s Inn of Ruston.The combination fashion show, dessert bar and networking opportunity was born of two Louisiana Tech student fashionistas, Hermosa Lynn and DonChunte Foster.
Two Grambling State University students, Shawnae Combs and Amanda Beaton, walked the two-act show.
Both are members of International Model Society, a prestigious on-campus modeling troupe.
The audience boasted noteworthy Grambling presence and included Miss Grambling State University Solagne Sayers and Miss Senior Cemia Khalek.
“It was a good representation of talent on every level,” said Sayers. She added that she wished the show received more exposure.
Another local designer, Mykal Chu was in attendance and alluded to an upcoming fashion event of his. Chu is also a Louisiana Tech student.
Foster is no stranger to GSU or the local fashion community.
She was featured on KGRM earlier last week to promote The Runway Report and discuss the importance of maintaining individuality, in addition to assessing the current state of fashion.
Foster emphasized the importance of not using race as a crutch and remembering that fashion is a raceless art form.
Foster rocked her glitzy night designs alongside models during the Port City Style Social, which happened in Bijou’s Ultra Lounge in early September.
“I started designing when I was about 16,” said Foster.
“I started out making prom dresses for my classmates in high school.
“Around that same time I started working for designer Tiffany Walker of T-Shemise Fashion Group. I assisted her and styled one of her fashion shows.”
A senior social work student from Monroe, Marleika Williams attended The Runway Report and appreciated the designers’ vision for the diverse models.
“I loved their hair and makeup. Their shoes were hot, too. While I wouldn’t wear the type of clothes that were showcased, the clothes were fitting for each model’s body type,” Williams said.
“I always enjoy working with Chunte and Hermosa. They’re always looking to venture to the next level. I look forward to their upcoming events and new designs,” said Combs.
Combs added that while the turnout was lower than expected, The Runway Report was the first Ruston venture and that the popularity of the fashion group will continue to grow.
During The Runway Report vendors brought makeup, bags and hand crafted jewelry to sell. Merchandise was sold prior to the fashion show.
Audience members received beauty product freebies and a couple of ladies were selected for goodie bag giveaways.
Editor’s note: Video footage from the show was posted on The Gramblinite’s Twitter page. Follow us (@thegramblinite on Twitter).