Aspiring models and designers wore high heels and prepared to practice working their struts on the runway. On a nonexistent stage, the models had to imagine a U-shaped platform where blue tape lined the floor in the University Union’s Redwood Room on May 1. This was the first practice of the year, and loud laughs and giggles echoed through the room and drowned out the music.

Senior family and consumer sciences major Rolend Gumanas is showing her clothing line, Visions, on May 15 along with nine other fashion designers who are Sacramento State students. The event takes place in the Redwood room at 7:30 p.m.

This year is Gumanas’ first year as a member of the Student Fashion Association. The SFA is a club for students who have a concentration in fashion and design, and has been hosting annual fashion shows at Sac State for five years.

Gumanas first found out about the SFA through being a model in last year’s fashion show. Gumanas said she has been inspired to be a designer because of her great passion for fashion and strong women in the fashion industry, such as Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel.

“Visions is a throwback vintage look from the ’50s and ’60s, Gumanas said. “I was inspired through textiles, plaids and checkers.”

Gumanas will have six models in her presentation of her clothing line, and each design will have checkers and plaid. Several months in the making, Gumanas said she has produced a contemporary line of clothing. Other girls bought mannequins, but Gumanas used her own body as the mannequin.

“I used my own body as the standard,” Gumanas said. “My models are girls that are really close to my body type.” The one model with a slightly different body type will be her boyfriend, who will join the others on the runway.

Her models will have extravagant make-up to create dark, dramatic eyes and vibrantly red lips to enhance the “Va-Va-Voom look of the ’50s,” along with big, teased hair.

Gumanas hopes to be a fashion designer when she gets more experience, but for now she said she is putting herself out there. Briana Woehrle, a senior family and consumer sciences major, will be another designer showing her creations on the runway. “Blooming Flowers” is the name of her clothing line.

“It’s really bright, fun and flirty,” Woehrle said. “The fabrics go with spring and summer.”

After graduating, Woehrle hopes to become a professional buyer at a major department store, deciding which items the store will sell.

“I’ve always loved to sew,” Woehrle said. “My grandma taught me when I was young.”

Woehrle became inspired when she modeled in the annual fashion show at Sac State three semesters ago. She said to herself: “Hey, I could do that.”

Woehrle helped zip up one of her models to see if the dress fit properly, which was a vibrant pink gown that was the only garment revealed that evening.

SFA Vice President Karina Patel hasn’t seen any of the designs yet and won’t see them until the fashion show.

Patel, a senior family and consumer sciences major, said the themes are very different than last year. Some names of the fashion lines that will be displayed in the fashion show are: “Sugar and spice,” “Soy sauce,” “Sunshine,” “’80s rock,” “Blooming flowers,” “Flirty fun,” “Old glory” and “Visions.” The overall theme of the show is “A black-and-white affair.”

Each designer will have music that goes with the theme of his or her clothing line. Some examples of music that will be featured at the fashion show are music by Madonna, Avril Lavigne and Shakira. Music will be played by a DJ from local radio station KSFM 102.5.

The show will begin with a few words from representatives from the Sacramento Children’s Home. Patel said half of the proceeds from the night will go to the home, a nonprofit organization that helps give educational, community and residential programs to neglected and abused children.

Patel said the SFA is expecting about 200 people, but 400 tickets are available.

The tickets are on sale before the event, and are $5 for students and $10 for general admission. VIP passes are $25 and include a reception after the event, featuring dessert and a wine bar. All prices are $2 more at the door. Camilla Aceves can be reached at [email protected]