Jake Mendel is the director of development for Pursuit, a men’s clothing store located in the South Campus Gateway.
This week in Men’s Fashion: the Sammy Fashion Show.
On Friday in the Ohio Union’s Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom, the gentlemen of Sigma Alpha Mu hosted their annual fundraiser, the Sammy Fashion Show. With more than 900 people in attendance and a multitude of major local clothiers and sponsors present, the show was an absolute hit.
The runway showed two very different looks for guys. The first look came out casual, with a real collegiate spin. Local clothing companies Homage and J-Spot had incredibly strong showings, with vintage throwback looks, updated for the modern man. The reaction from the crowd was one of strong Buckeye pride, as student-models came down in the runway in sweatshirts, tees and even a bow tie with “OH-IO” embroidered on it.
The second portion of the show was devoted to formal wear. Pursuit provided an array of colors and styles of suits, and the razor-sharp fit coupled with smart styling was the clear message. Slimmed-down pant legs, trimmer lapels and ties, a smart tie bar or pocket square were all tied together by the cool confidence of the models. Many looks were presented, from a more conservative interview look to a full blown three-piece and bow tie formal combo worn by Sammy president Jeff Bloom.
The takeaway from Friday’s show is pretty simple: fit, form and fashion. On both the casual and dressed-up side of the spectrum, designers are taking cues from the classics and cutting them slimmer, trimmer and more tailored than ever. These cuts give an individual a stronger, broader-shouldered silhouette and a strong, confident form. Nailing these major points allows you to focus on the finer points of fashion.
Overall, the fashion show was a solid showing by local Columbus retailers and other businesses, as well as a great showing from the Ohio State Greek community. Many of the models in the show came from various fraternities and sororities, and their fellow brothers and sisters numbered strong in the crowd. With each attendee buying tickets, and proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Association , the community came together and supported a great cause. In its second year, the fundraiser sold out, and I’m sure that the men of Sigma Alpha Mu and the rest of the community are already excited for next year.
