Last week, the Student Fashion Association searched for volunteer models with fierce walks for its upcoming fall fashion show called "Confetti." With roughly 30 models needed to work the show, auditions held last Tuesday and Wednesday had a turn out of 60 applicants. Professional expereince was not required.

The most important aspect that SFA members were looking for in its models was that they were comfortable walking, and for ladies that means strutting and posing in heels. During the application process, the walk was done in the middle of the room, where chairs and tables were pushed aside to create a runway. Applicants were required to walk to one end of the room, stop, pose and walk back.

“[The walk] is just to make sure no one is slouching, or is really uncomfortable,” said Sarah Terranella, an SFA member.

Ashley Nelson, one of the SFA members in charge of the model committee, said: “We want the clothes to show in the best way possible. That’s what makes the walk the deciding factor."

In addition to the walk, models were required to fill out an application, which included general contact information, along with height and shoe size. The auditions were two hours long, and models were instructed to provide their own heels for their walk. SFA looked for models of all shapes and sizes.

“Last semester we had a lot of models come and audition. We didn’t need that many so we let the designers choose the models they wanted and we never called the other ones back,” said Nelson. But SFA didn't cut off all ties--the models that did not make it in to the previous fashion show were told to please try again next time.

SFA members Terranella, Stephanie Chansin and Jocelyn Sanchez worked the auditions last Wednesday. Teranella took measurements of bust, chest, waist, hips, inseam and shoulders. Chansin played electronica music such as Hot Chip on her Mac book for the models to walk to while Sanchez helped out in every way she could by making sure the models had correctly filled out their paper work and taking Polaroid head shots of each candidate.

Before the auditions, Nelson was concerned. ”Guys are always the hardest to find. They just won’t come to the model call,” she said. But she wasn't disappointed to see that a rough total of 14 guys showed up for last week's auditions.

The male applicants had varying reasons for wanting to model in the show.

“I am interested in doing [the show] because it will help me build my confidence,” said Yingxy Wang, a mechanical engineer major.

“I think it is important as a businessman to be able to present myself to people," said business administration major Yiming Han. "That’s why I want to be involved."

SFA promoted the auditions by handing out flyers at its bake sale in Malcolm X Plaza. Nelson, who is a teacher's assistant for ADM 360 Fashion Clothing and Society class, also posted up a flyer on the iLearn Web site.

“I heard about it through my roommate, [Krystle Murray,] who is in the department,” said 20-year-old student model, Adele Vannini.

“I walked by the quad, and someone handed me a flyer and a cookie,” said sophomore journalism major Kiara Brwon at the audition.

Once the final number of models is collected, the SFA model committee will review the applications and collectively make a decision as to who is accepted. The model committee will meet on Nov. 6 to see who makes the final cut. "Confetti," the fashion show, will take place in Jack Adams Hall on Dec. 1.