Families were treated to a brunch and eco-friendly fashion show on Sunday as part of Family Weekend.

The Grand Valley State University’s Housing Office and the GVSU Fashion Club hosted the ECOuture Fashion Show to demonstrate how to find great fashion pieces while “thrifting,” said Chelsea Bashore, vice president of the Fashion Club.

Twelve women and two men, all previous Fashion Club models or members, took the looks down the runway.

“The purpose of the show was to create a fun, original event for Family Weekend as well as bring awareness to the awesome thrift shops in the Allendale area,” Bashore said. “We wanted to recognize that even during times of hard economy, there are still inexpensive ways to stay fashionable.”

The Fashion Club worked with the Housing Department at GVSU to help run the fashion show. Housing created the concept of a combination brunch and fashion show. They also organized and advertised for the event and extended invitations for local businesses to participate.

“They were fabulous and flexible to work with,” Bashore said.

Emily Straker, living center director from the Housing Office, was part of a committee for Family Weekend that planned the show.

“We wanted to get the Fashion Club involved because we didn’t know who to contact or what to do for music and such,” Straker said. “They were really great in helping us out. I think it was a great collaboration between a student organization and campus offices.”

The Fashion Club worked with the stores Red Door and Plato’s Closet to choose outfits for the models. They also organized the models and times for fittings, were responsible for the models’ hair and makeup and organized the runway part of the show.

“We were in charge of all things fashion,” Bashore said.

The Fashion Club has organized several runway shows in the past, including last year’s Compassion in Fashion show, a collaboration with the Humane Society of Grand Valley.

“Fashion Club is an organization here at GVSU which offers an opportunity for students to interact with others outside of their major, gain a new perspective on fashion, plan exciting events on campus and help out fellow GVSU organizations along with local Grand Rapids businesses,” Bashore said.

Bashore said that overall they had a good turnout considering it was Family Weekend and a Sunday morning. She said despite running around backstage, there were at least 60 people present.

“It looked like everyone was enjoying their brunch and the show,” Bashore said. “I think this was a unique opportunity to expose families to GVSU fashion and reach a new audience.”

“We had quite a crowd,” Straker said. “Almost all the tables were full. Some people came to eat and some people came for show, but either way people came to stay.”

[email protected]