EAST LANSING, MI –Over 20 Michigan State University students will transform into models during MSU’s Homecoming Weekend in the second annual ICONZ Fashion Show. Hosted by PS Magazine and Purpose Student Organization, the show features clothing from local and national retail stores in the East Lansing area along with pieces from up and coming designers. The style driven production is different from the norm and the producers plan to tell a story to their audience on October, 5.
The Spartans selected to be in the show were chosen not solely on their looks, but their personality and life story. The creator of the show Cyrus McNeal who graduated from MSU in 2007 chooses students that he believes have something to offer the campus and surrounding communities. Through the two month process that starts in the previous spring semester students are coached on building their character, learning more about themselves and finding their purpose in life.
The name “Icon” is given to the models and based off the mission pushes them to not simply be models on the runway, but role models in their everyday life. The “Icons” will perform community service throughout the year, even following the show.
Another different approach McNeal takes is through the arrangement of the show. This year’s show is entitled I AM LEGEND; the story plot is about the internal struggle of four friends who are asked to choose between their ego and their alter ego. Adding a scheme to a fashion show seems complex, but the ICONZ team has been working since last fall to change the way fashion shows are done.
The models will also get some help from some key professionals in the fashion 
industry. Independent Fashion Stylist Jasmene Bowdry based in New York who is currently working with rapper-actor 50 cent will be the head stylist for the show. Some of the national clothing sponsors include EXPRESS, AMERICAN APPAREL and OLD NAVY. Ticket holders will also see pieces from East Lansing’s local upscale casual fashion store THE REFINERY. Along with the stores, two fresh-face designers, Dallas Solomon and Henry Spencer of Detroit will get the opportunity to showcase their new labels.
The show is scheduled for October 5, 2008 at the IM WEST on MSU’s campus. Tickets range from $10-$80 and can be purchased from a ticket rep or on the show website. According to the website, the fashion show will be the hottest Homecoming ticket in Michigan and people in attendance can expect to see one thrilling-suspenseful-drama of a fashion show.
