“You can just look at our e-board.”

Like many fashion groups on campus, NOiR’s style is distinct. Rather than blending in with the trends, NOiR highlights them with clothing and accessory pieces chosen from both local designers and big-name brands.

“We find (designers) on different social networks like Twitter and Instagram, and we’re like, ‘oh they have really cool stuff.’ I reached out to this guy from Oklahoma, and he’s donating wooden bow ties this year,” said Lou Pope, Engineering senior and VIP coordinator. “We are cognizant of the different trends that are going on, things that we want to show in the show, but we also know who is credible and who has good pieces to represent.”

In order to sponsor the show, the non-profit student group needs to spend a number of hours reaching out to companies and organizations, asking them to help fund the show. Each e-board member has a specific sector of companies they contact, furthering the sponsorship relationships along.

“The basis is gathering resources, but where we gather our resources from is all over the place,” Pope said. “Every executive board member has a role or a specific sector that they’re reaching out to to bring in those resources.

“Within the organization, there are a lot of different dynamics and avenues that you can support. My specific job is to coordinate the experience our VIP will have and when our models are coming on to audition.”

An outlet for creativity

NOiR models go through a week-long casting process at the beginning of December. Each model comes in with contact information and measurements in order for the e-board to compile the candidates’ information and be ready when the final selections are made.

“People come in and we have a sheet that says, ‘confidence level,’ ‘eye contact,’ things like that — things we normally look for,” Ross explained. “And then we rate based on different categories, and we have numbers, so at the end, whatever your total is puts you into whether or not you made it.”

Though casting might seem competitive and judgmental, HoJeong Shin, Music, Theatre & Dance freshman and NOiR’s fashion recruit, assures that the models chosen aren’t stereotypical cover girls and are selected based on personality and presentation rather than looks alone.

“Because our organization is about diversity, we look for models that are diverse. We don’t look for the typical skinny, tall girls. We go from small, petite girls, to tall girls, to plus-sized models and models from all backgrounds and races, so we look for that, too.”

The girls and guys chosen to walk at the annual spring show are revealed at a party thrown in order to raise money for NOiR’s cause and also to celebrate the models.

“That helps us out, supporting our cause, making sure everyone is present,” Ross said.

The different opportunities presented in NOiR all stem from their cohesive mission: to give back to the community with a fashionable touch. Sundai Johnson, model coordinator and LSA sophomore, noted that the trade doesn’t matter as long as service is a part of the mission.

“In whatever we’re doing, regardless of what industry it is, it’s important to give back,” Johnson said.

In this way, NOiR is able to continue as a non-profit group, helping the community and providing an outlet for creative individuals. Preaching the acceptance of others and community service, NOiR prides itself in continuing its tradition of producing quality shows with a purpose.

“Putting a face to some of these causes and letting people know that you can do something really fun and exciting and participate in fashion, but you can also have something behind it,” Johnson said.