Music blared and fashion flared as the lights in the Kentucky Building Auditorium dimmed on those who attended the third annual Rip the Runway Fashion Show Evolution: “Don’t Stop the Music” Tuesday night.

The show was sponsored and produced by the Black Student Alliance, Office of Diversity Programs, Campus Activities Board and the design, merchandising and textile student designers.

The proceeds went to the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, an organization that raises awareness for child abuse.

Nineteen models participated. Five designers designed most of the clothes that were shown.

The show consisted of four sections that represented different fashion eras throughout history. Models showed off clothing styles from as early as the 1940s, and showed how fashion has developed into what it is today.

The female models ripped the runway with clothing styles from shiny wedged shoes and spiked heels accompanied by colorful leggings and tops with colorful prints to flowing silk dresses with bright accessories such as big sunglasses, jewelry and purses.

Male models showed off the most trendy and popular clothing styles from bright colored Nike and Converse shoes to polos with suspenders paired with plaid shorts.

Louisville junior Kimberly Harrington, a fashion stylist and merchandiser for the show, said all involved had been preparing for it since last August.

“I think that students came to see the show so they can see the latest trends on and off campus, and to see all the work and time the designers have put into getting it done,” she said.

For Meissan McDaniel, a freshman from New Albany, Ind., it was his first time attending a fashion show. He came to watch and support his cousin who participated in the show.

McDaniel said even though he doesn’t normally attend fashion events to learn about the latest trends, fashion is an important part of society, especially on college campuses because it is like home to many students.

“In certain times I think fashion really matters,” he said. “If you want to wear something relaxing, do it, and if you want to wear something extravagant, you should do that too because you can still look good wearing whatever you want.”

Somerset freshman Jordn Wiltsie, one of the models, said she decided to participate because a friend in the show told her about it. She was glad she participated.

“When it comes to fashion, everybody is different and special in their own unique way, so everybody out there looked great,” she said. “I think that fashion is really important because it determines character, class and shows someone’s upbringing.”

The show’s coordinator, Kristen Young, a junior from Chicago, said that even though the show was a lot of hard work, it all paid off in the end because everything came together.

Young said she agreed that fashion plays a big role in today’s society because it’s a sense of expression. Fashion shows keep the clothing business and evolution going, she said.

“I hope that everyone who attended tonight saw all the fashion that is going on and knows that the show was a student run event,” she said. “Anyone can do a fashion show as long as they get involved.”

Reach Alex Booze at diversions@chherald.com.