Tradition & Vogue: Seeing culture and fashion celebrated at TMU
I recently attended the Toronto Met Students Union (TMSU) Tradition & Vogue event (external link, opens in new window) on campus. It was a student-run celebration representing the diversity of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) community. From culture and glamour to coming together in celebration of one another, the event was a glimpse into the diverse student life at TMU — featuring fashion from China, Afghanistan, Nigeria and so many more!
Reflecting on my experience, this night was something I won’t forget. I saw myself represented on stage by people who looked like me, I supported one of my closest friends as she walked down the runway and I enjoyed cuisine from cultures around the world. Take a look at Tradition & Vogue through my eyes!
Showcasing culture through film
A large tent was set up in the TMU Quad with bright lights and a stage for the models to walk down later in the night. I immediately noticed the screen displaying short films created by the Toronto Met Fashion and Film club (external link, opens in new window) , as well as the way students modelled traditional cultural clothing with a modern twist. The films showed different cultures standing together and representing their wear, close-ups of cultural jewellery and the sounds of their traditional music.
The Fashion and Film club and the Faculty of Community Services (FCS) worked on this project together. During the event, I loved seeing diversity celebrated in these short films that played on the stage in the Quad.
Captivating cultural performances
Student groups from across campus performed songs and dances that represented where they come from. One of my favourites was the members of the Palestinian Culture Club (external link, opens in new window) showing off their keffiyehs while having a fun time with each other on stage. I also thought it was amazing how Vishal (external link, opens in new window) , a Toronto-based flute player, performed a variety of songs from different genres including pop, Spanish and Bollywood. As a South-Asian myself, being able to attend Vishal’s shows in person was lowkey something I didn’t know I needed until it happened.
I saw joy on people’s faces in the crowd as they cheered on all sorts of student performers.
I had a chat with Yomna Hafi, a fourth-year Early Childhood Studies student at TMU who said, “Representation is very important. I love that there were different cultures and [the event] seemed to be student-led. I found out about it on Instagram, and thought it was cool, so I gathered my friends and came.”
“I felt like it’s important to represent Chechen culture because not a lot of people know about it. What better way to introduce it to them than through fashion.”
Ayshat, a third-year Journalism student and a model in the show, shared why she walked the runway and represented Chechnya.
Connecting with culture through food
While walking around the Quad, I came across food stalls and games that different clubs had set up. One of my favourite foods was the baklava from the Egyptian Students Association (ESA) (external link, opens in new window) at TMU. It wasn’t just about the food and fun — it was also such a warm way to connect with different groups on campus. I got to experience how open they were to welcoming people, no matter who they were or where they came from.
I couldn’t help but get excited as I walked around with my friends. There were so many new people from so many backgrounds to start conversations with and to learn from.
Seeing cultural fashions
Finally, the fashion show had begun and it was time to see our friends and fellow TMU students walk the runway! I loved seeing the emphasis on blending tradition with modern fashion — some of the outfits even felt like home to me.
The models wore fun and funky colours to express themselves, but also found ways to integrate their cultural attire.
I love that TMU is a space where students can feel seen, feel heard and can connect with others. That’s actually one of the reasons I chose to attend Tradition & Vogue in the first place! It’s so powerful seeing students confidently express who they are and embrace where they come from, especially in Toronto!
Bye for now,
Hadiqah
