Conscious fashion: Runway show promotes diverse expressions of identity

All eyes were on TMU student models during Orientation Week as they hit the runway to promote body positivity, sartorial self-expression and inclusive fashion. 

From street style to formal looks, the theme of the Body Positivity Fashion Show was free expression through fashion as a way to embrace oneself. We caught up with a few of the models to find out more about their look and style inspiration below. 

The chic event, which took place on Aug. 30 in the SLC Amphitheatre, is a highlight of TMU’s Orientation Week, which was back to a full in-person slate of over 150 events. New and returning TMU students were invited to witness the lively runway show at the packed event. 

With the dramatic shake-up of our lives due to the pandemic, Jasmine Bhagwandeen, fourth year social work student and co-lead of the event, says the showcase is very much a celebration of our reemergence into the world. “It’s a chance to really come out and say, ‘Hey, I'm back and I'm here to make a statement’”.

The pandemic provided a rare opportunity for identity exploration, says Humna Khan, a second year criminology and politics and governance student, and the other co-lead of the event. She feels that beyond supporting student self-discovery, the fashion show was also a safe space for diverse expressions of identity.

“We really want this show to promote a sense of carrying yourself in the world with swag and pride, and in a way that says, ‘not only do I know who I am, but I'm ready to openly reveal myself to those around me’,” says Bhagwandeen.

The show began with a body positivity keynote from Chloë Grande (external link) , a speaker who focuses on eating disorder recovery and uses her personal  journey to raise awareness about eating disorders, negative body image and disordered eating.

Students bring energy and enthusiasm to conscious fashion show

While most of the looks were styled by the models using their own clothing, one show-stopping look was designed and created by fashion student Devala Ramkaran. “This outfit means a lot to me because it was the first dress I ever made, and it was for my portfolio to get into TMU,” she shares.

Called ‘Land of Guyana,’ Ramkaran says the dress was inspired by her Indo-Guyanese heritage and culture.  The dress represents the many different cultural influences that make-up the rich fabric of the country, a former colony. “The colours of my dress are the colours of the Guyanese flag, and the strap and waves are inspired by African and Indian fashion. I actually had a handbag that was inspired by Amerindian fashion, which are Native Americans in Guyana,” she said. In the future Ramkaran hopes to create a clothing line for all body types and sizes.

Third-year journalism student Haley Sengsavanh also wore a custom and monochromatic look. The dress, which featured boning in the bodice and lacing in the back, was labour intensive and took a few months to create. She shares that the project taught her how to adapt patterns to her body shape, a process that aligned with the Body Positivity Fashion Show, which provided a catwalk for students of all sizes and heights. 

First-year creative industries student Jasmine Page kept her vibe summery and light, choosing a dress that complimented her figure. “I always want to embrace myself and my favourite features, and this outfit really does that for me,” she shares. Page has been modeling most of her life and jumped at the opportunity to strut her stuff on stage during her first week at TMU.

Third-year interior design student Maha Asif wore an ornate Pakistani bridal dress representing her cultural heritage.

“This dress is in the Zardozi style which is embroidery consisting of gold and silver threads with beads and jewels. The design on the dress is Salma Sitara, which means all the beading and threadwork on the fabric was done by hand,” she says.

Like most young people, Asif is coming to terms with body positivity and embracing herself as she is; “I really want to spread that energy in the show today”.

With confidence on full display, a packed audience cheered on the models, showing that the body positive movement transcends all trends and that a cultural reset in the way we perceive beauty is a more than welcome shift. 

The Body Positivity Fashion Show was one of the many ways TMU’s Orientation Week events team celebrated and welcomed incoming Toronto Met students and showed that all styles, bodies, and backgrounds are celebrated here.