"I think it is always important for students to learn about other cultures and countries," said Frederica Kramer, chairperson of the department of family and consumer sciences. "It's just important for us to understand so we can get along with each other and know that the United States is not the only country with a history and Korean history is so much older than our own."


The fashion show came alive through the delegation from the Sungshin Women's University of Seoul, South Korea. Both traditional and modern fashions were modeled by people from both ISU and Sungshin.

"In any culture our clothing shows our personality," Kramer said. "It expresses the way we feel about ourselves and the way we present ourselves to others. Also, it is an attractive and entertaining way to show culture."

After the percussion act, the room dimmed, and a spotlight highlighted a Chinese dance performed by five women in rich, vibrant colors of yellow, purple, pink and orange. Paula Riggen, the administrative assistant in the International Affairs Office, said the fashion show was a collaborative event. Thirty-five members of delegates from Korea came, including faculty, the President of the Sungshin Women's University, models, make-up artists and students.

The event, which was free to the public, filled up Dede I. Students lined up against the wall, some even standing outside the door looking in.

The ISU community also contributed 25 models to the fashion show.


In the Message of Greetings from President Hwa-Jin Shim of the Sungshin Women's University, Shim said the Department of Clothing and Textiles has organized overseas exhibits and fashion shows. The performances highlight only ten years of the 5,000 years of Korean history.

"What I learned was a little bit about the traditional royal clothing of Korea," said Mpilo Migogo, a sophomore economics major. "It was intriguing to see the quality and texture of the clothing, everything seemed silky soft.


Michael Chambers, associate professor and interim executive director in the international affairs office said that the fashion show started with an invitation by Alvaro Romo, the associate vice president for programs, services and international affairs of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, to President Lloyd W. Benjamin III.

The fashion show, making only three performances, was presented at the University of New Mexico before coming to ISU. It will finish off with a performance at Yale University.

Chambers said the International Affairs, the Hulman Center and Cheryl Kremer, assistant professor in textiles, apparel and merchandising got involved in the program.


C. Jack Maynard, the provost and vice president of academic affairs, spoke on behalf of Benjamin. ISU signed a memorandum with the Sungshin Women's University to enter into exchange programs between the two universities, he said.

"In today's world we need to understand other countries," Chambers said. "This is a very unique way to see and understand traditional fashions, and through those fashions learn about traditional cultures."